Stonegate Group raises £80,000 for Stonewall Housing

Stonegate Group has raised £80,000 for Stonewall Housing, the UK charity supporting LGBTQ+ individuals who are homeless or living in unsafe conditions.

The fundraising total reflects a growing partnership between the pub and bar operator and the charity, which began in January 2022. Since then, Stonegate has supported Stonewall Housing through a range of initiatives including Pride campaigns, venue-led events, and the sale of specially branded beers - Portobello Polari and Rainbow Pilsner - in its LGBTQ+ venues, with a portion of proceeds donated directly to the charity.

Pride Month 2025 proved particularly fruitful, generating £11,922.20 through themed drinks promotions. This included £10,000 from Heineken sales, £1,362.20 from Rainbow Pilsner and Portobello Polari (with 10p from every pint donated year-round), and £560 from Be At One’s Pride-themed ‘Matcha Matcha Man’ cocktail, which contributed 50p per sale throughout June. Sales of Rainbow Pilsner and Portobello Polari have raised over £8,488.90 so far this year.

Stonegate venues in Manchester, Brighton and London saw a notable uplift in trade during Pride weekends, highlighting the impact of the celebrations on local communities.

The fundraising forms part of Stonegate’s wider Serving with Pride campaign, which aims to foster safe, inclusive spaces across its venues while championing LGBTQ+ visibility and support. Through themed drinks, Pride events and visible allyship, the campaign connects customers with vital services such as those offered by Stonewall Housing.

The funds raised have already made a tangible difference, helping the charity support nearly 4,000 LGBTQ+ people annually. The money has helped maintain Stonewall Housing’s national advice line, strengthen casework services, and improve response times for urgent referrals.

Claire Linacre Hilton, Director of Development at Stonewall Housing, praised the partnership: “Stonegate’s support has had a powerful and tangible impact. Their fundraising and national visibility through its network of pubs, bars and venues have enabled us to reach thousands of LGBTQ+ people facing or experiencing homelessness, and to keep vital services running at a time of unprecedented demand.”

Visibility within Stonegate’s LGBTQ+ venues has also proved crucial, with posters, calendars and Pride activations helping signpost those in crisis to the charity’s support services.

Liam Martyn, Area Manager for Stonegate’s LGBTQ+ venues, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership with Stonewall Housing and everything it represents. Our teams and guests get behind the fundraising with real passion, and the difference it makes is clear. We’re excited to keep building on this success and to continue raising awareness and funds for such an important cause.”

Looking ahead, both organisations are keen to expand the partnership further - from increasing sales of Polari and Rainbow Pilsner, to growing Pride activity across the UK and exploring new venue-led fundraising opportunities.

Claire Linacre Hilton concluded: “Partnerships like this one are vital because LGBTQ+ homelessness is still far too hidden and that invisibility can be dangerous. Stonegate is helping us reach people who might never have heard of us otherwise, while also raising the funds that keep our services running.”

Earlier this month, Stonewall Housing announced the launch of a second supported accommodation scheme in Brighton to provide safe housing and tailored support for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people, empowering them to build secure and independent futures.