If memory serves me correctly Shepherd and Neame often lease-off lesser profit making premises to other pub businesses/brands. This is how Craft Beer Co got started in Pimlico; I think it was SnN. Whatever brewery it is I think they still own a number of their pub buildings. Given the contacts maybe this is why? Just a guess though. Prof of the pudding etc....I'll investigate this weekend.
Ohh, that sounds interesting (and encouraging).