Chinatown's origins can be traced back to the Great Fire of London in 1666.  After the destruction, the area became somewhat rundown and immigrants began living in the area.  

The first Chinese to settle in Britain arrived in the late 18th century.  By 1950 there were some 2000 Chinese in Britain, all seeking new income opportunities as well as a place to live. Many settled in this area but is still remained quite poor. 

This bleak situation was suddenly turned after the war in Korea, when returning soldiers from the war in the Far East suddenly created a new customer base for Chinese cuisine.  In the late 50s Gerrard St was leased to establish new restaurants.  Hong Kong immigrants also began emigrating to London and soon began working in the catering trade.   This area eventually became known as Chinatown. 

Many British-born Chinese moved out of the area years later but the Westminster City Council transformed the area into a tourist attraction.  Today, the streets boast Chinese signs and pagoda-like phone booths. It is full of all sorts of restaurants, food stores and specialist stores from not just China but all over the Orient: from Thailand to Indonesia, from Japan to Hong Kong.  The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the beginning of February. 

Leicester Square Tube

Le quartier chinois doit sa creation a l'incendie de Londres de 1666.Apres la destruction de l'incendie, cette place est devenue la partie ou les etrangers venaient vivre.

Depuis, plusieurs chinois ssont venu s'y installes, ainsi que des coreens.

Vous pouvez trouvez ce quartier a Leicester square (la station de metro porte le meme nom).

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