Cryptic crossword No 1,305

Thanks Umpire. A rapid start followed by a slow grind with some clues I really struggled to get my head around. Favourites 11a, 8d, 21a, 27a and 4d. 7d was a fine surface, and lots more to like in different ways.

Thanks Umpire, top stuff as per :-) Faourites 1a (lovely def), 11a, 16a, 21a, 27a, 3d, 7d, 13d (another fun def), & 19d. Spoilers ...

I enjoyed this a lot, MP. Possibly more than some previous ones - not sure why but it flowed very smoothly start to finish. As always, some imaginative creations in amongst the pack - which is NOT meant to denigrate the pack! Faves include: 1a, 11a, 16a, 21a, 27a, 6d, 7d, 13d, 17d and 19d. Spoilers in reply. Thanks. PM

Nice puzzle Umpire. Really enjoyed 1a 16a and 21a. I’m so bad at 7d. A couple of new words for me, which is always fun! Cheers