Cargo Review

Sainsbury’s have them.

So do Tesco’s.

And nearly every other supermarket you walk into will try to ply you with a cheap bit of plastic; and for every hundred pounds you spend, they’ll give you a free digestive! (I’ve heard at Harrods you’re rewarded with a chocolate digestive – class will out).

And Cargo has one.

A loyalty card. The group I was in hardly had enough time to spill anything before we were descended upon, vulture like by two near women; (they probably had only been able to get into bars legally for mere days) all cranked up bosoms and tottering heels; eager to wrench what carrion they could from our wallets.

Don’t get me wrong I have no problem being forced to deal with such creatures (provided my girlfriend isn’t reading this) but I somehow doubted that my loyalty to Cargo was going to be rewarded with their company; I mean they laughed at my jokes, a sure sign they were being paid to endure me.

So why should I become a loyal, card carrying crony of the Cargo community? A bar in the newly developed Fountainbridge area; it sprawls over two levels with wide wooden floors; any tables or chairs have been exiled to the perimeters; and it finally spills out onto the canal dock itself where a healthy colony of twenty odd patio heaters warm those brave enough to engage the Edinburgh twilight.

I was there on a Friday and immediately felt old as the music was the stuff I’d been listening to at school; lets be clear at primary school full of blondies and durans. One of the first comments I heard form the large group I was in was that it was all a bit ‘white collar’. This is true if you’re looking for the traditional Edinburgh boozer with decent ales and a collection of malt whiskey and colourful locals, then this is not the place for you.

And to be frank Cargo is not the place for me either. It was trying too hard and came across as, well a Wetherspoons with fancier fittings and flatulent prices; though to be fair on Wetherspoons at least they usually have one or two ales on; I could have Carlsberg export or San Miguel from the pump or something from a bottle. They also didn’t endear me by trying to steal my pint if I’d laid it down for anything more than a heartbeat, irrespective of how empty it was or how close I sat to it.

Maybe the committed pint drinkers in my group had caused a glass shortage at the bar.

I can find a place for Cargo; with the loud music and bottle-phile wares it might just be the bar to up the ante before hitting a club in town but for a good pint, there are plenty of other places to try before risking there....read more

Cargo Description

At the hub of one of the most up-and-coming areas Cargo's waterside location and sophisticated urban design found a place in the hearts of local residents some years ago. Renowned for its superior level of service, Cargo continues to offer quality food and drink and is recognised as one of the city's best venues for functions and events.

Customer Reviews for Cargo

Average (based on 4 votes): 4 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid Edinburgh and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Cargo.

“I went with a friend on a Sunday night and the atmosphere was great. The bar staff fancied me I reckon and I made loads of good banter with them.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Stephen, Edinburgh (5 years 9 months 21 days ago)

“What a bar! Its huge. I was in with about 600 other people after the Scotland vs Newzealand Rugby match and the atmosphere was pumping all night. The Scotalnd team were in for drinks all night. The drinks were great, the Dj was awsome and the only fault i can find was that it was so busy it took us a while to be served!”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Paula, Edinburgh (6 years 5 months 14 days ago)

“So another new bar in edinburgh, aimed at the 20-30somrthings. Cargo is a step in the right direction. Too many new bars in Edinburgh have become to self important. The drinks are silly and the clients can be even worse. Cargo breaks this mold. It has a great bar area, influenced by changable colour lighting to set the mood. First impressions are very good. We arived for dinner at 7pm on a friday and the place was already busy with the local office types. We headed upstairs to the restaurant and were shown to a table over looking the canal. We were very lucky to get a table as the restaurant apears to be almost sold out and we didn't have a booking. The wine list was a bit bland, (chatting to the staff after dinner we were assured that the management have a new one in the pipeline by mid Oct 05). However we were recommended a Sauvigion Blanc which turned out to be excellent. The food was also first rate. The Starts and Mains were just the right size so we could share a dessert without feeling stuffed. The whole bill only came to £57 with coffee and wine so great value for money. At 9pm the Dj kicked in, and the lighting dropped and changed colour to a very smart vibrant red. We headed to the upstairs bar (downstairs looked busy). The two cocktails we ordered were again first rate. The bar staff are clearly knowledgeable and keen to please. The Ratpack Manhattan was a great play on a classic cocktail and the Watermelon Martini was very refreshing. We were ver”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Jamie, Edinburgh (6 years 7 months 11 days ago)

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Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Bar
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Group: Festival Inns