An exceptionally long festive decoration extending over 14 separate windowpanes at the Mama Fifi restaurant has won High Barnet's competition for the most imaginative Christmas window presentation.

Proprietor Ali Karakas (see above) commissioned the mural even before he knew there was going to be a competition.

Judges from the Chipping Barnet Town Team, which funded a £300 prize for the most attractive display, were unanimous in their choice.

Mr Karakas is delighted with all the praise for the display which starts at the restaurant’s High Street frontage and extends round the corner alongside the entrance to The Spires shopping centre.

For mural artist Alessandra Tortone this was the longest display she had ever been asked to undertake.

Mr Karakas said he has been so pleased with all the compliments the staff have been receiving for Alessandra’s design.

“We commissioned the decoration in November to create a festive atmosphere for our guests and for the people of Barnet.

“I had seen Alessandra’s contact details on other designs she has done for shop windows. I knew instantly this would give our window frontage a real festive look.  

“We are so happy there has been such a good reaction.

“People keep popping into the restaurant to say how much pleasure they get walking along the pavement and into The Spires.”

Mr Karakas said that he was delighted to hear that the competition judges had voted it the best display.

“I didn’t know anything at the time about there being a £300 prize – perhaps the money might go to a good charity or another needy cause.”

Another restaurant with a festive window display is Villaggio in Church Passage which offers authentic Italian cuisine.

Easily the most thoughtful and engaging presentation is in the window of traditional sweet shop Hopscotch which tells the history of Christmas.

Alice Kentish aimed to provide a display which explained the festive traditions – and amid the decorations there are short write-ups with information about the history and significance of Santa, Christmas trees, turkey, stockings and yule logs.

The four judges from the Town Team were Eamonn Rafferty, vice-chair of the Barnet Society and secretary to the Town Team; Lucy Bridgers of High Living Barnet; and Gail Laser and Paul Doyle of the Love Barnet website.