Cryptic crossword No 1,697

Nice one Catnip, this was really enjoyable throughout. I'll highlight 17a, 22a (my LOI, inexplicably!), and 4d as the podium.

Thanks Catnip, I enjoyed this. Good amount of head scratching, with some crackers, of which my top faves were 13a 17a 5d 15d and 21d. Cheers, great fun

Thanks Catnip, good stuff. Faves include 14a, 17a, 22a, 4d & 20d. Spoilers ...

Thanks Catnip, good fun, and a good challenge, with a couple that stumped me but all clear from the notes. Favourites included: 16a, 17a, 22a, 26a, and 1d 😊

Terrific Catnip. A lovely range of clues, neat surfaces and chuckles to keep me entertained throughout. A selection of those I really enjoyed are 11a, 13a, 16a (lol), 17a, 2d (lol), 4d (v nice), 7d (lol), 18d, 23d. More please! Spoilers...

Well done Catnip. Easily your best yet imo. Some very nice assemblies, commendably succinct and some clever ideas. Plenty I like: some to highlight here inc 10a, 11a, 13a, 17a, 25a, 1d, 2d, 4d, 18d and 21d. Spoilers in reply. Thanks. PM

Thanks Catnip. Obviously late to this tea party but I wanted to register my positive opinion of this crossword. My top picks were 10a, 11a, 12a, 25a,27a, 2d, and 4d. I was beaten by 20d and needed your notes to understand 16a and 22a, both beyond my orbit.