THAT well-worn euphemism retail therapy has never been more appropriate than in these straightened times when we are being given bad news by the bucketful on almost a daily basis.

While some stores may be feeling the pinch, shopping centres such as London’s West End seem to be buzzing in the build-up to the Christmas scrum.

Battling against the tide of shoppers in Oxford Street, two miles long and with over 300 stores, and Regent Street may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but the lively atmosphere is hard to resist.

Why not make a full weekend of it, as I did recently? Book a hotel, hit the shops, enjoy a meal at the many and diverse restaurants and take in a West End show from the eclectic feast on offer.

For sheer luxury and class stay at the five-star Langham Hotel in Portland Place, a stone's throw from the BBC, where rooms start at £245 a night. Walk out of the door and within a few yards you are in the heart of shopping heaven.

Just around the corner is Selfridges’ flagship store, which celebrates its centenary next year. There, like other major stores, the aim is to make shopping more of an experience when flashing the cash or proffering the plastic.

South Molton Street, Bond Street and Regent Street are all within easy reach and offer a dazzling array of designer fashion. If you want some classy Christmas decorations, try Liberty with its quaint architectural design.

On the fashion front, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Comptoir des Cotonniers, COS, Desigual, Hoss Intropia and Pretty Ballerinas have all made recent debuts.

Worth a visit is Lalage Beaumont’s bijou boutique in Avery Row to sample her handmade designs. Lalage (pronounced La-la-gee) is usually on hand to dispense help and advice.

Gadget addicts won’t be able to resist calling into Apple’s flagship store on Regent Street and try out the extensive range of iPods and computers or take in a tutorial.

If you have children, a trip to London would not be complete without a wander around the usually jam-packed seven floors of Hamleys. Madness reigns from the moment you step inside and see the array of toys, some of them being demonstrated by children and, of course, many grown-up children.

If the maelstrom gets too much, take a break and head for Handel House in Brook Street, where the baroque composer lived from 1723 until his death in 1759 and composed some of his greatest work.

The museum holds regular events and next year there will be a series of concerts for the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death.

Those with a much different taste in music will be fascinated to know that rock legend Jimi Hendrix once lived next door at 23 Brook Street, now the museum’s administration area.

A fitting climax to our weekend was tickets to La Clique, featuring a collection of uniquely talented performers in the informal atmosphere of the Hippodrome, off Leicester Square.

Marvel at eccentric contortionist Captain Frodo’s hilarious and cringe-inducing journey through the head of a tennis racket, sans strings, of course or Miss Behave’s burlesque swallowing antics and Ursula Martinez’s disappearing hankie trick with an X-certificate difference.

Night life in the West End need not be expensive. If you don’t want to lash out for the theatre, you can have a night out for a bargain basement £20.

Starting at Vapiano Italian restaurant in Great Portland Street, you collect your pass card for the evening. There diners can choose their meal by ordering direct from the chef.

Next, move to the Graphic Bar in Golden Square, Soho, for a cocktail. Finally, head to GLM in Kingly Street for a spot of clubbing.

FACT FILE www.westendlondon.com for more information

Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place (london.langhamhotels.co.uk)

Budget: Mostyn Hotel (www.mostynhotel.co.uk)

Dining: Momo Moroccan restaurant (Heddon Street – 020 7734 2011)

Vapiano Italian restaurant (19-21 Great Portland Street – 020 7268 0080)

La Clique, The Hipppodrome, Leicester Square, WC2 (Box office: 020 7907 7097). Tickets £10-35.