Cargo opened in late 2000, masterminded by the small fry to big bucks Cantaloupe bar group. Taking advantage of one of the few sizeable Victorian railway arch set ups in this area cantaloupe shipped in the planty things, exposed ductwork and terracotta - smeared brick. Cargo has since been an unusual venue, which operates as a bar, live music venue, nightclub and restaurant. Since opening it has continued to gain widespread acclaim for its design and functionality. Cargo club is in the enviable position of being all things to all clubby bar goers. The venue is divided into three arches: a restaurant area with seating outside, a bar area with a large projector screen and a music room with a stage, DJ booth and dance floor. Arch one is variously dancing/ imbibing/nodding area (depending on the musical output), arch two is given over to some serious bogling/hopping/funking. In summer the delightful beer concrete is opened up to graffiti exhibitions and skateboarding. Cargo's space is versatile and can be transformed to suit any needs. For instance, if you so desire you can escape the bump'n'grind of the main room and enjoy a cocktail or a decent bottled beer at the bar for sensible prices. The club nights currently include nu-disco stormer Come Shake the Whole, alternative beats superstars Ninja Tune and Champion Sound - the Friday nighter which presents a refreshingly novel clubbing concept - live music right up close with conventional DJ-led twists and tunes before and after the act. Some amount of effort has been put into establishing exactly what kind of live music is suitable for an up-for-it Friday night crowd. Cargo club has a variety of different people. The crowd at Cargo is no arrogant or stuck up and is dressed in a mixture of denim A Lines with torn waistbands, designer puffa and parkas with fur trim but in reality no-one cares what you wear. The club's capacity is 800, seating - 300 and there's no dress code. The club is open Monday to Thursday 6pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 6pm to 3am, and Sunday 6pm to midnight. The hype is still spinning at the club, as unlike many of the up east hangouts Cargo embraces change, offering up its inner regions to any interesting new comer.
Cargo is the apotheosis of the cash-in, cop out trend. Whether you're tucking into burgers in the restaurant, chilling out back with a beer or throwing your arms in the air like you don't have to go to work in the morning, Cargo is a fine choice of nightspot to spend your money in.