Cargo

Hectorboece

2nd March 2009

1 found this helpful

Yeah, this is one of the coolest venues in London, from location to staff to the acts they bring in. Best to check what's on before you go if you're a little fussy about your music because it can be quite specific (usually without loss of quality!). The sound system in there is awesome, and the beer garden makes it easy to nip out for a cigarette or a cooldown when the dance floor gets too hot!

CristinaA

Live music venue 29th October 2008

2 found this helpful

I’ve been coming to Cargo for years, making regular trips before I had even moved to london

The door staff are actually helpful rather than dismissive and are capable of using words of more than one syllable, which I find is an all too rare trait these days.

On entering you are hit by loud music, but rather than being too bassy or distorted it is just right. This is because of its rather impressive speaker display. The area itself is spacious but also quite intimate, the crowd is varied and unpretentious, and to be fair that is an award winning quality in itself.
With very quick and friendly bar staff I found myself having a great time and have been back on many occasions, it was just lucky I made these notes the first time as I can't remember the others too well. I wondered when these notes would come in useful! All in all a fantastic night.

sparklepants

Eclectic! 28th August 2008

0 found this helpful

Probably one of the best place to go if you're into trying out different music! Always a brilliant atmosphere and a guaranteed top night out.

24oh8

11th May 2007

2 found this helpful

Actually used to quite enjoy a very late afternoon brunch on a Sunday as you can sit for hours and talk, read, surf etc and pretty much be left in peace. The food's alright - wouldn't go out of my way for it but used to go there often when I lived locally.

Celina82

Good bands 4th January 2007

2 found this helpful

Nice place with good food, good vibe and good bands. Resembles some of the clubs we have back home.

idoru

Cargo - Street Food Cafe 29th November 2006

5 found this helpful

When visiting Cargo for a night out don't overlook the casual dining café to your left as you walk in.

Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch….

The food and setting are based on Richard Bigg's (Cantaloupe Group) travels around South America, they follow the theme of the street markets and stalls. This translates to a unfussy rustic style with heavy wood stools and tables that have inset cutlery, condiments and the ever essential hot sauce.

With the added touch of colourful Spanish styled menu boards, you could be anywhere but the cold winter in London. They have free Wi-fi and a stack of newspapers waiting for you to while away your afternoons. And keep in mind for the summer they have extensive outside seating amongst bamboo and planter boxes.

While getting your munch on before a gig you're quite likely to be sharing a table with the band or DJ playing that night. This is because the cafe has a few large tables to encourage socialising between diners, and sharing! Though more intimate seating is available for those who want it.

Ok, the food... there are so many taste sensations here, this is mainly because of the sauce action… we're looking at:
• Harissa, (made from a base of beetroots and carrots and flavoured with chillies, coriander seeds, caraway, garlic, salt and olive oil. From Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria)
• Chimi Churri (made from chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, and paprika with olive oil, from Argentina)
• Mexican Mole poblano (made with dried chilli peppers nuts, spices, Mexican chocolate, salt)

You can sit in London but your mouth is in the Americas.

My perfect meal would have to be…
Grilled Greek Haloumi(3.50) with chives and virgin olive oil drizzled on top.
Then sharing the Vegetarian Platter(14.50), which includes vege tacos (roasted sweet peppers, tomatoes and pinto beans with guac and cheese) dolmades, hummus and hot crispy falafel among other things.

Wine wise, I'll be sharing a bottle of Vina Rey Spanish Tempranillo(15) yum, it has enough body to carry the food yet is lively enough not to bore.

The finale has to be the very simple but effective Chocolate Molten Cake(4.50), it's hot, it's rich, and it lets little dribbles of melted dark chocolate run around your mouth , then you mix it with small cold scopes of the lush vanilla ice cream…. Bliss!!

Mmmmm I'm so back there, you finish with a carajio (espresso with a shot of rum) it's off to see your band with one of their Sauza margaritas in your hand!

monkey

quality club 29th September 2006

1 found this helpful

banging tunes, nice layout, and always get in on a guest list. what more could you ask for ?:)

sue at 03/05/07

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a 'banging tune'?

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Mez

Go Cargo Go! 20th September 2006

1 found this helpful

I've not been for ages, but I had such a good time when I went. Lots of space, and fantastic music that you probably haven't heard before. Great for discovering new talents and having a good night out with friends. In fact, I might just organise a night out there very soon! I'll update this when I do.

Buraco

Eastenders' Finest 22nd August 2006

3 found this helpful

I reckon this is my favourite night spot in all of London town. Generally busy, so you gotta choose your night wisely, but I can't remember being disappointed in the times I've been. The music policy is liberal to say the least and you can always expect to hear something you never heard before.
They're really good at giving new bands and DJs a chance, so don't be afraid of gettin down there even if you don't know the names. The layout is sweet and allows for dancing, mingling and chillin whatever your mood. The garden and summer bbq are a bonus.

STOP PRESS UPDATE...just found out that this is the'Featured Review' so thought I'd add that I went back to Cargo recently to see the mighty Andy Smith, and again to see the Paraiso School of Samba choose their carnival queen and its just as good as I remembered. They even sell Old Speckled Hen - perfect for the sophisticated ale-lovin man about town (like me).