Festive Pub of the Year
Historic 16th Century inn The Rose and Crown has been awarded the St Albans Festive Pub of the Year 2016.
The pub, in St Michael’s Village, impressed judges with its twinkling lights, decorated wood panels and a Santa’s grotto.
Dylans Kings Arms, in George Street, was highly commended for the effort made to create a cracking Christmas atmosphere.
The Festive Window of the Year went to the Village Arcade in the High Street which boasts a number of shops. Its walkway, leading from the Flower Box florist’s to Abigail’s tea rooms, was praised for its highly imaginative decorations.
White Mint, a home accessories shop in Holywell Hill, also won over the judges and took the runners-up spot.
Now in its eighth year, the Festive Pub of the Year is organised by St Albans City District Council, St Albans Review, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans Chamber of Commerce.
The fun contest encourages shops and pubs to bring an extra sparkle to St Albans’ streets during the festive season.
Judges visited the nominated pubs to assess their decorations and general atmosphere before selecting the winner. They also walked around St Albans identifying shops with bright, bold and beautiful decorations in their windows before picking the best festive display.
Councillor Beric Read, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism, said: “Our congratulations go to the winners.
“We were impressed at the lengths many shops, pubs and other City centre businesses go to making Christmas extra special.”
Councillor Roma Mills, Chair of the Retailer of the Year Group, said: “Christmas decorations help to make our City a more attractive place for everyone over the festive season.
“We are very pleased to recognise the hard work and thought that has gone into this with these awards for our most eye-catching pubs and shops.”
PICTURES:
1. Left to right: Cllr Read, Eric Roberts of the Civic Society, Rose and Crown staff Carrie Fitzgerald and Charlotte Aston, Cllr Mills.
2. Sean Hughes of Dylans The King Arms with the judges.
3. Brian Dawkins and Wendy McCarthy of the Village Arcade accept their award from the judges.
4. The judges outside White Mint, runner-up in the best festive display category.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism for St Albans City and District Council. Mob: 07956 220264.
Email: Cllr.B.Read@stalbans.gov.uk
Councillor Roma Mills, St Albans City and District Council.
Tel: 01727 837319
Email: Cllr.R.Mills@stalbans.gov.uk
Media contact:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council. Tel: 01727-296130 E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk