New Mediterranean restaurant and bar Cargo Hold opened its doors in the heart of Sheffield a couple weeks ago. We had a quick natter with co-owner Shaun Campher who also happens to be an award-winning mixologist – bring on the cocktails!
Hi Shaun, how’s it going? Tell us a bit about Cargo Hold!
So far so good! We have seen an immediate increase in trade since opening and its building very quickly which is wonderful to see. Cargo Hold is something I have been developing for a few years now. Our mission is to create an experience that is inviting, enjoyable, theatrical and high quality, all at an attractive price. My memory of growing up in South Africa with an abundance of fresh seafood and quality meats available is one that has stayed with me throughout my career. Likewise my love for creating interesting, innovative cocktails with a theatrical twist.
So do you have a background in the catering or hospitality industry?
Yes, during my 15 years experience in the hospitality industry, I have worked in almost every sector, from kitchen porter to chef, bartender to General Manager and consultancy. Throughout this time I have learnt a range of skills that will be invaluable in ensuring the quality of the products sold and service provided remain consistently high, whether it be at Cargo Hold or the many venues we aim to open in the coming years.
And how did the name Cargo Hold come about?
It came from the restaurant in South Africa that I proposed to my wife in, so it has a strong personal meaning to me too.
How do you plan on keeping things interesting here?
Menus will change seasonally and we will also be looking at introducing special event nights to be confirmed in the coming months.
Are the ingredients sourced locally?
We pride ourselves on sourcing our products locally. We use suppliers such as SJM Fresh produce in Sheffield for fruit and veg, and Andrew’s Butchers in Rotherham for example.
And do you cater for different dietary requirements?
For sure, because our food is freshly made to order, dishes can be adjusted to suit the guests requirements. We have a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes available as well.
Where do you like to dine out in Sheffield?
I enjoy dining at the independents of Sheffield such as Cubana and VeroGusto but also like dining at Ego and Bill’s.
Do you have a favourite dish from the menu?
My personal favourite dish is the Lamb Rump, but I also really enjoy the surf and turf sharing platter.
Any sweet deals we need to know about?
We run our ‘Rapido lunch menu’ on weekdays 12pm-5pm (main and a drink for £9.95) and we have drink offers on everyday such as 2 for £9 on selected cocktails (Sun-Wed: 4pm-10pm / Thurs-Fri: 4pm-7pm / Sat: 3pm-5pm)
Lastly, what does the future hold in store for Cargo?
Once we have established the concept in Sheffield, we aim to grow and expand into other major UK cities, but aim to keep the independent feel to the concept.
WHAT TO ORDER
Red Berry Cosmo £6.90
Absolut Raspberri & cranberry juice, with raspberry & cherry puree, lime juice and red berry tea syrup. Served with a fabulous smoking twist. This little number is a real sort. We like it berry much.
Breakfast in the Garden £6.90
Hendricks gin, limoncello, elderflower cordial & lemon juice, with orange marmalade & apple juice. Served over dry ice for that extra pizzaz, cue the “ooh”s and “ahh”s.
Calamari £6.95
Grilled with garlic butter or fried with cajun spice. Served with a homemade aioli dip. How you should start any meal at a good seafood restaurant, a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Liver Pate £5.95
Served with fresh, warm bread. This photo was taken at their launch night so don’t expect this much to arrive at the table if you order it! It’s that good you’ll wish it did though.
Deep Fried Camembert £4.95
Gloriously pungent and served with fresh, warm bread and red currant chutney. I mean its deep fried gooey cheese, need I say more?
Cargo Mixed Grill £35.95
Lamb rump, sirloin steak, chorizo sausage and chargrilled chicken breast, served with grilled halloumi, two sides & two sauces. A beast of a platter and not for the faint-hearted. It’s a ‘main to share’ but we don’t like labels here.
Vanilla Cheesecake £5.50
Topped with passionfruit jelly, passionfruit coulis and Prosecco foam. Served with vanilla ice cream. The kind of dessert that converts someone who isn’t all that into pudding (yup, they exist) into someone who very much is.
Cargo Hold is situated on 20 Church St, Sheffield S1 2GN and you can find out more info here. Give ’em a follow on Facebook and Instagram will ya?
