'TIS THE SEASON TO BE... HUNGRY?

No it isn't - not with Chinatown's huge choice of menus, late opening hours and prices that'll suit all budgets. Take a look at these restaurant suggestions - and make us a part of your trip to the West End this Christmas!

Shopping and a show in the West End might break the bank - but there's no need to blow the budget on food when you pay Chinatown a visit to refuel. Whether you're on a family trip, a gift-buying spree or a romantic night out, there's a restaurant here for you - and we've made some suggestions to help you choose.

Great for families

Little Lamb on Shaftesbury Avenue is a unique treat for families and lets diners get in on the action for a more involved meal. The Little Lamb dining experience goes like this: you select your uncooked ingredients and cook them yourself in a heated bowl of traditional Monoglian Wonder Soup at your own table - it's fondue-style eating with Mongolian flavours. For great value, there's the bustle of the famous Wong Kei, where a speedy staff deliver generously-portioned set meals to hundreds of diners at once.

Great for shopping

Just a short walk from the shopping hotspots of Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Seven Dials, Chinatown is the place to go when your feet are tired and your stomach's rumbling. With restaurants ranging from gourmet to value, you'll be able to enjoy the tastes of the Far East no matter how much you've spent in the shops. If you're around at lunchtime, be sure to sample Dim Sum at a restaurant like Golden Pagoda, Harbour City or Leong's Legends. And - if there's a foodie in your life - be sure to visit one of the authentic Chinese supermarkets for a gift of exotic ingredients.

Great for the theatre

Chinatown borders London's Theatreland along Shaftesbury avenue - so make it your first stop on your way to a West End show. You'll find every dining option you could wish for - from an intimate meal for two in the stylish, minimalist Plum Valley to a fast, friendly and authentic Hong Kong diner experience at Café de Hong Kong. And - if you don't feel like dinner before your show - visit Chinatown afterwards, where most restaurants welcome visitors until midnight or later.