Cargills Building Fort
A historic red brick landmark in Colombo Fort, showcasing colonial architecture with a supermarket and limited retail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Cargills Building Fort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic red brick landmark in Colombo Fort, showcasing colonial architecture with a supermarket and limited retail.
"Beautiful old building that has seen better days, a significant piece of Colombo's architectural heritage. "
📸 Admire the Exterior
The building's red brick facade is its main draw. Take photos before heading inside.
🚶♂️ Explore Colombo Fort
Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Colombo Fort area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Red Brick Facade
Admire the striking red brick exterior and Victorian arches, a testament to colonial-era architecture.
Colonial Heritage
Once the Dutch military commander's residence, it's a significant piece of Colombo's architectural past.
Original Wooden Shelves
Spot the preserved original wooden shelves inside, hinting at its past as a grand department store.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Manage Expectations
Navigating Colombo Fort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Knowledgeable guide colonial architecture Fort district
📸 Admire the Exterior
The building's red brick facade is its main draw. Take photos before heading inside.
🚶♂️ Explore Colombo Fort
Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Colombo Fort area.
Why colonial era buildings in fort area are so underrated among tourists?
What should I see in Colombo??!!
🧐 Check Expiry Dates
If shopping at the supermarket, be mindful of product freshness and expiry dates.
⏳ Be Patient at Checkout
Checkout lines can be slow during peak hours; allow extra time.
Historic Architecture Sites
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Exterior
The building's red brick facade is its main draw. Take photos before heading inside.
🚶♂️ Explore Colombo Fort
Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Colombo Fort area.
🧐 Check Expiry Dates
If shopping at the supermarket, be mindful of product freshness and expiry dates.
⏳ Be Patient at Checkout
Checkout lines can be slow during peak hours; allow extra time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cargills Building Fort is lauded for its impressive colonial-era red brick architecture and historical significance. However, many visitors find the interior retail experience underwhelming due to limited shops and underutilization, with some also noting issues with customer service and product freshness in the supermarket.
"First Grocery store in Sri Lanka, that's history of the colonial, ambivalent past, it's a place with a strong atmosphere and an extremely gentle, exquisite staff. Great prices and the choice of a modern supermarket."
Franz Scarpelli
"Cargills (Ceylon) PLC is a well-established and trusted name in Sri Lanka, offering a wide range of products through its supermarket chain and other ventures. Their outlets are usually well-stocked, and I appreciate the convenience of finding both local and international brands under one roof. The staff are generally helpful and the prices are quite competitive.
One area that could be improved is the checkout process during peak hours, which tends to be slow at times. A bit more efficiency in customer service and faster billing would enhance the overall shopping experience.
Overall, a reliable place for daily groceries and essentials. I continue to shop here regularly and would definitely recommend it."
Khuram Shahzad
"I rarely leave reviews, but after experiencing the same issue twice at this branch, I feel compelled to share. The customer service here is absolutely appalling.
Once again, after paying my bill, I was told the money had not been transferred, even though it was clearly deducted from my bank account. Instead of handling the matter with urgency and professionalism, the cashier took my card and disappeared for nearly 15 minutes while I stood there waiting, watching her walk back as if she had all the time in the world. Not even a word of apology for the delay.
What’s worse is the general attitude of the staff. Almost everyone here looks annoyed, unfriendly, and unwilling to engage as if customers are inconveniences rather than the very reason they have a job. Basic courtesy, efficiency, and even a simple smile seem like luxuries at this location. the only exception is the gentleman at the pharmacy, who at least demonstrates some professionalism and decency.
This branch badly tarnishes the Cargills name. Management seriously needs to step in, retrain their staff, and instill even the most basic principles of customer service. Until then, this outlet will continue to drive customers away with its sheer negligence and lack of respect."
Ahinsa Chandrasekara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cargills Building Fort is located in the heart of Colombo Fort. You can reach it by taxi, tuk-tuk, or public bus. The area is well-connected, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Limited parking may be available, but it's advisable to check on-site or consider public transport due to the busy nature of the Colombo Fort area.
Walking is a great way to explore Colombo Fort and its historical sites, including Cargills Building. Be prepared for a bustling urban environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Cargills Building Fort itself is generally free as it houses public retail spaces.
The supermarket and other retail outlets within Cargills Building Fort typically operate during standard business hours, usually from morning to evening. It's best to check specific store hours if you have a particular shop in mind.
There is no specific admission fee for the historical architecture of the building itself, as it's integrated with the retail spaces.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a supermarket, a KFC outlet, a liquor store, a pharmacy, and a bank. The selection of shops is limited compared to modern malls.
While it has a supermarket with local items, many visitors find the interior retail experience underwhelming and underutilized.
It's a landmark with a red brick facade and Victorian arches, originally the Dutch military commander's residence and later Cargills' headquarters.
Some original features like wooden shelves are still present, offering a glimpse into its past, though the interior is largely modernized.
Reviews suggest the building's exterior is impressive, but the interior could benefit from better maintenance and utilization.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option within the building is a KFC outlet. For a wider variety of food, you'll need to explore the surrounding Colombo Fort area.
The supermarket offers a selection of local food items and essentials at competitive prices, though variety might be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the exterior with its red brick and Victorian arches is very photogenic. The interior offers less visual appeal for photography.
Focus on capturing the entire facade from a distance to get the best perspective of its architectural grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's best to view this visit as an opportunity to show children a piece of Colombo's architectural history and perhaps a glimpse into a more traditional supermarket experience. Keep expectations realistic regarding entertainment value and focus on the exterior's visual appeal.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
While the interior might be less impressive, the opportunity to see original wooden shelves and appreciate the building's historical context makes it worthwhile. Combine your visit with a walk around the surrounding Colombo Fort area to fully immerse yourself in the historical ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Heritage and History
While the exterior commands admiration, the interior experience has garnered mixed reviews. Visitors often note that the building feels underutilized, with large empty spaces. The current retail offerings are limited, primarily consisting of a supermarket, a fast-food outlet, a liquor store, and a pharmacy. Despite this, the presence of original wooden shelves inside offers a tangible connection to its past as a grand department store, a detail appreciated by those interested in its heritage.
There's a sentiment among visitors that the building's historical charm is undeniable, but its current state leaves room for improvement. Many express a hope that the management will prioritize the maintenance and preservation of this beautiful structure, ensuring its architectural integrity for future generations.
The Shopping and Visitor Experience
Beyond the supermarket, the overall retail experience inside Cargills Building Fort is often described as disappointing. Visitors frequently mention the lack of diverse shops and the feeling of underutilization within the grand structure. This can lead to a less engaging shopping experience than one might expect from a prominent landmark.
Customer service has also been a point of contention for some visitors. While some staff are described as gentle and exquisite, others have reported instances of appalling customer service, including slow checkout processes and unfriendly attitudes. The management is urged by some reviewers to focus on retraining staff to improve basic courtesy and efficiency.
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