Cryptic crossword No 2,028

Beaten at the end by the interlinked 19a (did not know that def) and 20d (nho). Thanks for the puzzle: some very nice ideas in here and a few constructions I found tricky to navigate. Podium is 13a, 14a, 17a, 2d, 12d. Thanks. PM

Thanks Baldur. It seems as if my solving experience was similar to PM’s. Some very nice clues. My favourites: 8a, 13a, 14a, 21a and 4d. Spoilers …

Thanks Baldur, good fun. Faves include 9a, 13a, 21a, 2d (would expect "forgoing" without the "e" but Chambers seems ok with it!), 4d (note *some* editors won't accept "back" in a Down clue), 6d & 20d. Spoilers ...

Thanks Baldur. I needed a fair amount of reveals, and found some of the constructions pretty tricky, but it was an enjoyable slog! Favourites: 8a, 13a, 17a, 21a, 5d, 6d (favourite of favourites), 11d (don't think it needs 'Looks like' but maybe that's just me), 17d. Cheers! A few minor niggles in reply...

Thanks Baldur for a mildly challenging crossword. My top picks were 8a, 13a, 14a, 2d, 5d, and 11d. I needed your notes to parse 4d and 15d; other clues went in with partial parsing & guesswork. I think some of your surfaces could use some 'pruning' but overall I liked this.

Very jolly, very you. I thoroughly enjoyed this slice of madness. Particular likes for 9a, 13a, 2d, 6d and 11d (ridiculous, albeit true – bubble tea? Bof!) As for 7d … good grief, man!! Ta lots.