Christmas has come early for a pub in St Albans after being crowned the city’s festive pub of the year.

Decked out in traditional decorations, The Portland Arms in Portland Street impressed our mystery drinkers on Friday (December 14), and was crowned Festive Pub of the Year 2012.

The competition is in its fourth year and is organised by the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans Chamber of Commerce.

Pub landlord, Neil Dekker, said he was "very happy" to have been recognised as it is his first Christmas at the pub.

Mr Dekker said: "Me and my wife Julia, only began running the pub in September, so to be recognised is a nice accolade.

"I would like to dedicate the award, to my wife, two daughters [Jennifer and Stephanie] and one of my daughter's fiancé [Ryan] who decorated the pub and did all the hard work.

"Our Christmas decorations are colonial, traditional and tasteful, which I believe made us stand out."

Mr Dekker had previously run the Rose and Crown pub in St Michael’s Street between 1991 and 2002 and then the Old Albanian Sports Club in Harpenden Road, before returning to the ‘pub business’ this year at The Portland Arms.

Twelve other pubs in the city were shortlisted and The Spotted Bull and The Boot were named ‘Highly commended festive pub’.

Last year the White Swan in Upper Dagnall Street was named the city’s most festive pub.