A total of 19 taverns have been nominated for this year's Festive Pub of the Year competition.

Review readers had until noon on Monday to enter their favourite bars.

This week, The Garibaldi, Jolly Sailor and Farmer's Boy were added to a list which already included Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, Lower Red Lion,  The Hare and Hounds, The Cock Inn, The Peahen, The Boot, Blacksmiths Arms, The Slug and Lettuce, The Robin Hood, St Albans Snug Bar, O'Neills, The White Swan, Jolly Sailor, The Mermaid, The White Lion and The Portland Arms in this year's competition.

The Retailer of the Year committee - which comprises of the Review, St Albans District Council, St Albans Chamber and St Albans Civic Society - has again challenged city centre pubs to push the boat out in a bid to be crowned St Albans Festive Pub of the Year.

Last year The Boot, in Market Place won the vote of our mystery drinkers. Eighteen other pubs in the city were shortlisted and the Hare and Hounds in Sopwell Lane won second prize.

Organisers also named their second Festive shop Window of the Year. Raft, a furniture store in Chequer Street, won the vote of our mystery shoppers. 

This year, members will again be on the lookout for the best festive shop window in the city centre. They will be pounding the streets looking for retailers who have brought festive cheer to the streets with their bright, beautiful and bold displays.

Each establishment will be marked on a variety of different criteria including service, drinks selection, standard of decorations and atmosphere, but it must be based within the boundaries of our map.