Iconic Sydney nightclub Cargo Bar to reopen: retro photos

It’s hosted celebrities like Bono, Prince Harry and Owen Wilson and after a massive renovation this popular Sydney club is set to reopen. Check out all the retro pics of celebs who have partied there.

After 24 years in operation, Sydney nightclub Cargo Bar has been given new life and is set to open after a five-month, multimillion-dollar renovation.

The bar and nightclub on King Street Wharf is owned by Australian Venue Co, who have a portfolio of venues including Surry Hills’ The Winery and Little Pearl in Manly.

The complete overhaul comes as the group plans to return the venue, which first opened in 2000, to its standing as the most popular nightclub in Sydney.

“When it first opened, Cargo Bar was the place to be. Now we are back, bigger and better than ever,” says venue Manager Pierce Sapsford.

Indeed, celebrities such at Bono, Prince Harry and Owen Wilson have all visited the institution.

Talia Yildirim and Lowen Noakes at the new look Cargo Bar. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The focus of the renovation has been to make Cargo Bar more “premium” said Sapsford and includes upgrades to the lighting and sound systems, a luxe VIP area, new dining spaces and a revamped al fresco beer garden.

There has also been an additional focus put on the food and beverage options, with Executive Chef Jason Robertson designing an all day dining menu that is both casual and affordable.

The menu includes crispy chicken wings; crumbed chicken schnitzel burger served in a potato bun with fries; Japanese eggplant bowl with miso roasted eggplant, zucchini ribbons and roasted peppers; and crispy fish tacos with shredded iceberg, pineapple, red onion and chilli mayo. Weekly $25 specials will run daily from Monday through to Friday. Served with a complimentary house beer, wine, or soft drink, meal deals include Monday pizzas to 1KG wings on Fridays.

The Iconic Sydney bar and nightclub Cargo Bar, that will relaunch this week. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Sydney’s Cargo Bar has undergone a major renovation.

“We want the venue to be multifaceted,” said Sapsford. “We’ve got a strong nightclub brand but want to be known as more than that too.”

Cargo Bar was sold to Australian Venue Co (then Dixon Hospitality) in 2016.

Sapsford said while Sydney’s night-life has been dwindling, Cargo Bar itself has always been busy.

“It was really good when it first opened and then it started to decline when the wharf declined and people travelled to Kings Cross to party. But now Kings Cross is closed and people are dying for somewhere to go,” he said.

“After Covid we were one of the first places you could dance because we had the outdoor venue. Then as more night clubs closed down, there was less places to go so we got even busier,” he said.

Sapsford added the restaurants around the venue are late night traders too.

“It’s become a vibrant part of the city again. It’s the new Kings Cross.”

The renaissance of Cargo Bar comes after another iconic late night institution, Jacksons on George, got a makeover last year.

THE PARTY CONTINUES!

See the retro pictures of musicians, sports stars and celebs who have partied at Cargo Bar over the years.

Radio personalities Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O at Cargo Bar in 2009.

Gyton Grantley and Brooke Sheehan.

Actors Cornelia Francis and Luke Jacobs dance the night away at a Home And Away party for the cast to celebrate the show’s 21st birthday, at the Cargo Bar in 2009.

Home And Away cast celebrate the show’s 21st birthday at Cargo Bar in 2009.

American muso Mya performing at Cargo Bar on Boxing Day.

Singer Scribe at the Ralph Awards held at Cargo Bar on King Street Wharf, Sydney.

Singer Shannon Noll performs at the Cargo Bar in 2011.

DJ Havana Brown at Cargo Bar’s 10th birthday bash in 2010. Picture: Noel Kessel

Laura Dundovic at Cargo Bar's 10th birthday bash. Picture: Noel Kessel

Sally Obermeder at the Cargo Bar's 10th birthday party.

Michelle Bridges at the Cargo Bar's 10th birthday party.

Alex Dimitriades at Cargo Bar.

Ruby Rose and Darren McMullen at the MTV Snow Jam Warm Up Party at Cargo Bar.

Berrick Barnes and Matt Burke at Bundaberg Wallaby 2009 launch at Cargo Bar.

Matt Giteau and Nathan Sharpe at the Bundaberg Wallaby Rugby Lunch at the Cargo Bar.

Singer Danielle Spencer at the Cargo Bar in Sydney in 2001.

Lisa and Jessica Origliasso members of band The Veronicas at Cargo Bar in Sydney.

Tamara Jaber and Reigan Derry.

Originally published as Iconic Sydney nightclub Cargo Bar to reopen: retro photos