Cargo Cantina

Cargo Cantina is a fun, high-energy taco bar in Wapping Wharf, inspired by the cantinas of Mexico City – all frozen margaritas, agave-driven cocktails and tacos built on carefully sourced ingredients.

Our work here wasn’t a full rebrand. Instead, we were brought in to help curate and elevate their social media presence so the feed finally matched the atmosphere at the bar.

A collage of various images including food dishes, promotional flyers, a group photo, and promotional materials for beverages and events.

Cantina energy, captured

The challenge
Cargo Cantina already had a strong sense of self offline: music up, frozen margaritas flowing, plates of tacos and tostadas flying out of the open kitchen. Online, though, things were less cohesive. The feed was an occasional stream of food shots and posters, without a clear visual rhythm or point of view..

The approach
We treated social as a mini brand world, not chasing the algorithm, sometimes even sticking two fingers up to it. Blurred photos, poorly lit shots combined with buzzing food plates and drinks shots that would instantly portray the unique vibes that only Cargo Cantina can deliver.

The outcome
The result is a social feed that feels like stepping into the bar: bright, fast-moving and full of personality. Engagement increased as posts became more consistent and recognisably them, helping turn Instagram followers into regulars at the counter.

Looking to add more flavour to your feed?

Get in touch
Collage of photos from a restaurant called Cargo Cantina featuring food, drinks, people, and the interior ambiance of the restaurant during daytime and evening.

The feed went from a restaurant trying to do social media to a brand that knew exactly who it was, who it was for and why it exists.

With a few considered tweaks and the confidence to lean into them, the team took the direction and ran with it in house.

The difference speaks for itself.

Signboard with a black background and white text indicating upstairs shots are available at Cargo Cantina, including tacos, margaritas, and ice cold beers.

After having so much fun with the instagram feed, we took the cantina vibes to the streets with our A boards

Tasha Moss, Head of Operations Cargo Cantina

“Tom came for a couple of mezcals (or was it margaritas, nobody quite remembers) and told us our socials we were missing the mark. Cantina is naughty, loud and full of energy. Our socials weren’t. He gave us the clarity and confidence to act like Cantina actually is, not what the algorithm wants. The difference is night and day.”

A woman with long red hair smiling while sitting at a wooden table in a dimly lit room with dark walls, decorated with colorful pillows and string lights. Behind her is a shelf with various bottles of alcohol.
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