“I don’t think they operate in the westcountry and I’ve never come across one elsewhere.”
It is predominantly a northern business which happens to have a large estate in London as well.
“I saw a comment that the operation is a property empire that brews beer on the side.”
Highly likely. Its London estate alone must be worth a pretty penny. It includes several historic sites, such as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, the ornate Princess Louise on High Holborn and the spectacular Citie of York near Chancery Lane. And the famous Fitzroy Tavern which gives its name to an area of London: Fitzrovia.