Cryptic crossword No 2,262

Thanks Waxon17, I think this is a big improvement from your recent puzzles. 5a is very neatly done & my COTD, also ticks for 18a, 3d & 20d. Everything was "gettable" but a few little issues, so *if* you're interested in hopefully constructive feedback, spoilers follow ...

Thanks Waxon - taken aback at the U rating! 8d, 25a, and 18a were my favourites. It felt a bit anagram and hidden heavy, but I've not counted! A couple of points, covered well by previous comments (also, maybe me, but struggled to understand lob element of 14d) but I enjoyed it and got there without reveals. Thanks again!

You came clean! Another vote for 5a, that was very neat indeed, and I liked the consistency of the references in 1d. A most enjoyable puzzle

Thanks Waxon17, some good surfaces, especially 5a, 6a and 23a (although I think the clue works better without the first word) and 1d.