Cryptic crossword No 1,167

Very nice, Bees. Only 1a was tricky to parse but everything else is very smoothly clued. Likes include 5a, 12a, 18a, 23a, 26a, 2d, 4d, 5d, 17d and 23d. Thanks. PM

Thanks Bees, found this a lot of fun. My top ticks go to 5a, 9a, and 10a. Spoiler in reply...

Very good Bees, thanks - the usual precise clueing and fun surfaces. My picks were 9a, 25a, 28a, 2d, 4d, 22d and 23d

Thanks for a lovely puzzle Bees, that was good fun. I seemed to get on your wavelength quite quickly too which increased enjoyability. I particularly liked 5a (neat), 10a (nicely buried def), 18a (neat), 21a (neat), 25a (neat), 27a (neat), 1d (neat), 3d (smooth), 7d (satisfying), 8d (cute), 18d (nice surface construction) and 23d (neat). Nice one :)

Very nicely done, thanks Bees. Favourites 9a, 12a, 21a, 23a, 3d, 4d, 5d, 22d & 23d. Thanks again!

Spoiler:

9a made me smile so much!