03-07-2025
It's Beer-hemian Rhapsody! Queen legend Roger Taylor's son buys Cornish pub with support of famous father
The son of Queen legend Roger Taylor has bought a Cornwall pub - with the support of his famous father who lives nearby.
Rufus Taylor - backed by the famous rock band's drummer Roger - has purchased the Shipwrights Arms on the shores of the Helford River in Cornwall.
The 18th-century Grade II listed freehouse, nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Helford, has benefited from more than £1million in recent investment.
The inn is described as combining 'traditional charm - low ceilings, exposed stone, flagstone floors - with a nautical twist and contemporary comforts'.
The deal was brokered by Jon Clyne, director at commercial property firm Charles Darrow - who has been waxing lyrical about the new ownership.
He said 'There was real pressure from the local community to ensure the Shipwrights Arms didn't just change hands but found the right custodians.
'With Rufus, his partner, and the support of Roger Taylor - a true local at heart - the pub is in safe (and very rhythmically talented) hands.'
Roger Taylor is best known as Queen's powerhouse drummer, while also co-writing such hits as Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic and These Are the Days of Our Lives - and their best known tracks also include Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.
He also has deep-rooted ties to Cornwall, having been raised there after his birth in King's Lynn and attending the county's Truro School.
He has since returned to live in Cornwall, setting up home opposite the Shupwrights Arms and close by another local pub, the Ferryboat Inn.
His son Rufus has meanwhile continued the family's musical heritage, touring with The Darkness .
He and his partner are now set to take on operational responsibility for the Shipwrights Arms, with Rufus describing how the pub had been 'a part of my life for as long as I can remember'.
He added: 'For me, it's home and, as everyone knows, an Englishman's home is his castle. Therefore, I plan to give it the royal treatment.
'There's no need to reinvent the wheel as the Helford community - which I have always been proud to be a part of - already knows that The Shipwrights is the jewel in the crown of the most beautiful part of the country.
'Accordingly, any changes will be subtle as we continue the traditions of a convivial family-friendly atmosphere with fresh fish, great food and music in a location blessed with natural beauty.'
He told potential punters: 'I look forward to welcoming you all and raising a glass together.'
The Shipwrights Arms has tiered terraces for more than 110 guests, four deluxe newly-built letting suites, a private jetty and slipway.
Roger Taylor was awarded an OBE at Windsor Castle in Berkshire in March 2022 - dedicating his honour to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins who had died days beforehand at the age of 50 - and telling of his influence on Rufus.
Roger said at the time of the US rocker: 'My whole family and his whole family were very close. He was, my wife called him, sunshine in human form. He was the most wonderful man and I can't quite believe that I'm not going to see him again.
'He's done a lot to help my son, who's a great drummer, and he actually sort of mentored him. We're going to miss him so much.'
Along with frontman Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor was one of the founding members of Queen in 1970 - having turned down the chance to become a drummer for Genesis the same year.
He helped pen some of the band's biggest hits, co-writing UK number ones Under Pressure, These Are The Days Of Our Lives and Innuendo.
Queen have sold more than 300million albums worldwide.
Fourteen years after Mercury's death in 1991, aged 45, band members Roger and Brian May reformed, joined by Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers - in a touring partnership that continued until 2009.
Since 2011, Roger and Brian have performed with American Idol star Adam Lambert as Queen + Adam Lambert.
Roger Taylor has five3 children, with both Rufus and model Tigerlily by his ex-wife Debbie Leng.
The couple were together for 15 years before separating in 2004.
He is also father to Felix Luther, 43, and Rory Eleanor, 37, with Dominique Beyrand.
Roger married Sarina Potgieter in 2010, after six years as a couple.
