CAMDEN

Chronicle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2003

The paper for KENTISH TOWN, CAMDEN TOWN, CHALK FARM, ST PANCRAS, SOMERS TOWN

VIRTUAL

VILLAGE!

By SARAH HARVEY

Primrose Hill

gets website

A NEW online guide to Primrose Hill has been launched – revealing the

best shops, restaurants and tourist spots in the “village”.

The website www.PrimroseHillVillage.com has made the area a virtual community and

takes visitors on an illustrated stroll around the village’s enclaves, including specialist

shops, businesses and restaurants – and uncovers some hidden gems.

DENISE VALE

Printable main maps in the form of bird’s-eye illustrations entice the viewer to wander

through the villages, which are accessible via the main website.

Architectural, historical and amusing details evoke the character of the area and when

something catches a surfer’s eye, they can pop inside the virtual version of the shop and view

photos of the interior, articles for sale, price lists, restaurant menus or opening times.

 Website director Denise Vale, who came up with the concept, said: “Growing up in London

I always had an interest in London and its villages, and was very aware of the hidden areas

with their fantastic shops which not many people know about.

  “I began working on illustrative maps and progressed to becoming a graphic designer and

a web designer so my work develops from that.”

Denise has already launched websites for London’s other villages. She added: “We originally

started our guide in west London. We look at each location and decide by looking at how many

specialist shops they have and if they have a real core of independent businesses.

“I personally visit all of the businesses which are placed on the site and build up relationships

with all of the shops it features so it has a real village atmosphere.”