It will be a merrier Christmas at the Lower Red Lion after they scooped Festive Pub of the Year.

Decked out in traditional decorations, the pub in Fishpool Street impressed our mystery drinkers today, and was crowned Festive Pub of the Year 2014.

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

Pub landlord, David Worcester, said he was “thrilled” to have won in his second year of running the pub.

Mr Worcester said: “It is excellent to have won. This is our favourite time of the year.

“The competition this year was tough, so it feels great to come out on top.”

Staff members Tash Bell and Alice Walker, who put up the decorations, said it felt “fantastic” to win.

Mr Worcester previously won the award during his time as landlord at the White Lion in Sopwell Lane.

More than 30 nominations were received in the city and The Garibaldi in Albert Street was named ‘Highly commended festive pub’.

In addition, Raindrops on Roses in High Street won this year's Festive Window. 

Helen Dawson, manager of the charity gift shop, said on hearing the news: "This is a great way to celebrate our second year here.

"We are all volunteers here and this win is the result of a great team effort."

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

In second place was gift shop L.A. James in George Street.