Cryptic crossword No 1,200

Part-way through was expecting something special, and it turned out to be twice as good! Needed that extra bit of help to finally get 14a and (COTD) 14d. Top stuff, thanks Meles :-)

Nice gridfill, Meles. And some really good clues in there with my podium being 12a, 4d and 13d. Very nicely put together. Thanks. PM

Wonderful stuff, all the clues falling into place and with a smile on the face too. Highlights included 12a, 25a, 5d, 7d, and 16d. Thanks!

Super stuff Meles, thanks. Great fun to solve with just the right amount of chewiness for my limited solving abilities. I particularly liked 10a, 17a, 24a, 3d, 6d, 8d, 16d and 22d

Nice one Meles - enjoyed this on the Cryptic Sunday stream earlier. 4d, 14d, and 22d were my picks.

Nice one, Meles, some tidy clueing here. 18d made me laugh. Also liked 10a, 22d anmong others.

Thank Meles, A challenging solve, with several aha moments but also a few head scratchers for me - perhaps some GK or term deficits, but all fair. Standouts for me: 20a, 25a, 2d, 13d & 16d(!) but much else to admire.

Thanks to everyone who attempted and commented here and on the stream. I cursed myself several times for putting the additional constraint on a grid with 4 long ones, but glad it seems to have gone down alright.