Cargo were pioneers of the multi-tasking MDF concept and boast one of the most imaginative live music line-ups in the capital, as well as film screenings and art.

Fuel up with some excellent South American street food, wile away a summer afternoon in their courtyard and groove till the small hours under the refitted railway arches.

The music policy covers the full spectrum of London's underground, with a focus on hip-hop, breakbeat and world music, and there's live tunes followed by top DJs most nights.
Cargo has full disabled access
Cargo is an over 18's venue
Parking restrictions apply around Cargo 7am til 11pm Monday to Saturday

The Venue
Cargo can be found on Rivington Street, under a disused railway bridge off Shoreditch High Street, and is about a ten-minute walk from Old Street tube station. The main glass-fronted entrance sits under an arch and gives way to a reception area where, to the left hand side, you will see the restaurant section of the venue. Positioned around the small, walled-off kitchen area, this informal area can seat several parties in relative comfort, and is made up of chunky wooden tables and communal benches. The larger bar area is to be found behind the reception desk, and is invariably plunged into obscurity by low lighting and candles. Leather sofas and banks of cushions line the walls, whilst in the middle of the room, rows of thin tables and tall bar stools allow for intimate tete-a-tetes over a drink or two. The bar itself extends the length of the right-hand wall, and impresses with a vast and brightly-lit array of bottles, knick-knacks and curios.

Both the bar and the restaurant are stylishly decorated with framed black and white prints, posters of upcoming events and specially commissioned artwork; otherwise the stone walls are left unfurnished, which lends the establishment a rough, unadulterated charm.

Both rooms lead to an expansive outdoor area. Made of wooden slats and latticed fences, this area is perfect for relaxing on a summer’s evening, and has been lavishly decorated with colourful murals, benches, tree-trunk-style seats, a photo booth and even a small wooden hut for the more agoraphobic visitor.

Last but not least, right at the back of the building is the club space, separated from the bar area by a stone arch, with a stage, dancefloor, cinema screen and full PA set-up to the left and another bar, practically identical to the first, to the right – this is where bands and DJs perform and film screenings are held, all set under a vaulted stone roof and a giant mirrorball.