My friends and I were looking forward to a night out in Cargo last Friday but didn’t actually get in due to the absolutely awful attitude of the bouncers. There were 7 of us in a group (2 boys and 5 girls) and when the bouncers let the boys in for free and insisted that the 5 of us girls had to pay the full entrance fee, I challenged them. After firstly denying it despite me telling them I had seen it happen in front of my own 2 eyes, they then changed tack and said it was their club and they could adopt whatever policy they chose. I was outraged at the whole unfairness of the situation. I have no qualms about paying an entrance fee to get into a club but it should be one rule for all and I will not bring business to a club that operates in this way, especially since there are many other equally decent clubs in the vicinity where I can go. As result, the 5 of us decided not to go in but rather go elsewhere. I just want to bring this to your attention so that you don’t start losing other customers at the expense of your bouncers.

A quality venue with a reputation for brilliant events, ranging from Hip Hop to Jazz. The programming is consistently original and the venue is a breath of fresh air in Shoreditch. The courtyard graffiti is famous and changes regularly - one of the best places for an outdoor ciggie in London! Housed in two arches, the vibe is relaxed and friendly. The sound is great but lacks a certain intimacy. When there arent many peeps around it feels deserted. Nevertheless this is a sure-fire way to check some great music.

Been to Cargo for Groundation gig and had great fun! the venue is splendid! all those arches everywhere and the nice sofas… perfect to chill but also to go and dance. there is a great atmosphere and people are very friendly.
I wouldn’t say that englsih people are a majority (I heard more french than ‘yeah man’ lol) but it is a great melting pot. the only problem I had was that the room where the gig took place was so packed that I could barely breath. But I suppose it just means that it is successful and I am not the only one enjoying it!
there is also a great garden outside for the smokers, all arabic inspired. you can always be pretty sure that you’ll have a seat to appreciate your ciggie.
check out for their gigs coz they have great stuff coming up and it is not thatexpensive. mainly reggae. drinks are normal price but they always come up with the weirdest cocktails (see ‘screw the monkey’ lol.
I’ll go back there as soon as another great gig is programmed

The food is actually pretty good!!! they do happy hour in the early hours of the evening. Unfortunetly the start charging for entry at an early stage and the crowed is a little dull. I would only got there to sit with friends outside have a smoke and a quick beer and some food but not to have a night out, too expensive and nothing special exept if you into the band playing that night.

Cargo is a stone bunker basically, with an outer room with tables and bars, an outdoor tabled area for smokers, and an inner room with a stage for club nights and live music.

It’s a bit of a hipster spot, to be sure, but I find it to be on the cool side of pretentiousness. The drinks aren’t cheap but watch out for specials. Haven’t eaten here.

It is a good spot for the occasional up-and-coming musical act, though. I’ve seen Canadian psychedelic rockers Black Mountain there, as well as Saul Williams and Dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip as part of the London Word Festival.

It’s a neat place to meet if you happen to be in Shoreditch.