Cryptic crossword No 1,090

Superb puzzle, Glynos. I'd say, without question, your best yet. Very smooth from top to bottom, a lovely range of ideas, some nice cultural references, witty defs. I could have ticked loads; a selection of those I enjoyed the most would include: 9a, 12a, 14a, 24a, 27a, 2d, 3d, 5d, 7d, 13d, 16d. Just the one small quibble in Reply. Thanks. PM

Very good, Glynos - I agree with PM that this is your best yet. I really enjoyed the variety and inventiveness of the cluing. Joint COTD for 24A and 3D with honourable mentions for 14A, 27A, 4D, 5D, 13D and 21D. Spoilers...

I must say I'm tending to agree with the erudite gents preceding me Glynos, that was a lovely puzzle. Some very inventive constructions and a satisfying solve. I particularly liked 9a (smooth), 11a (likewise), 12a (nice assembly), 15a (neat), 16a (likewise), 22a (very neat), 23a (neat), 24a (smooth and clean, great surface), 27a (neat), 1d (smooth), 3d (very clean), 4d (neat), 5d (nice construction), 7d (neat) and 19d (cute) - lovely stuff :)

Lovely puzzle, just the right difficulty level for an evening solve with a glass in my hand 😁 lots of clever clues including the short ones (always difficult to clue well!) like 25d, 6d and 11a. And despite being a 13d, 19a was new to me! So I feel educated. Good work 👏