Polari Project Brews Up Real Funds for LGBTQ+ Community

Portobello Brewing Co has revealed that it has raised over £115,000 in support of Stonewall Housing – the leading UK charity supporting LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment. 

For some years, the brewery has been creating Polari Pale Ale & Rainbow Pilsner, donating 10p from every pint purchased and 5p from every can of beer sold to the charity, raising a huge £115,000 of much-needed funds. 

Comments Darren Williams at Portobello Brewing Co, “The Polari project was originally my idea, born from a personal desire to give back to the LGBTQ+ community, of which I am proud to be a part. The project started with Polari Pale Ale, which was named in collaboration with Stonewall Housing service users, one of whom also helped create the original artwork. Rainbow Pilsner came a little later at the request of Stonegate to supply their bars during pride month – expanding the Polari brand to two products.”

Since its launch in 2021, Polari has grown to be one of Portobello Brewing Co’s biggest selling beers thanks to the support of a whole range of venues across the UK, including Stonegate which lists both beers nationally. 

This news comes hot on the heels of the publication of Stonewall Housing’s Impact Report 2024/25, which was launched this week. This year’s report tells a story of both rising need and remarkable impact. Over the past year, 3,733 LGBTQ+ people turned to Stonewall for support, a 16.6% increase on the year before. 

“The Polari project is not just a fundraising initiative, but something rooted in care, community and visibility,” continues Darren. “We have worked closely with Stonewall Housing every step of the way, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see how the project has grown: from the naming and artwork process, to the expansion into Rainbow Pilsner, all reflecting that original spirit.”

Adds Jamie Henderson, Brand Ambassador for Polari, “We generate the sales because we have a genuine and real product that makes a considerable difference. The charity maintains that they are helping more people than ever and part of that is because more people know about them and this can definitely attributed to our beer being so visible in pubs across the country.” 

Polari is owned by Portobello Brewing Co, part of the Sunrise Beverages group.