Cryptic crossword No 1,693

Hi Flush, overall I thought this was great. The solve was reasonably straightforward, but no gimme, with a nice nix of clues. 1a, 5a offered a lovely start. I also like 13a, 25a, 12d*, 15d*, 16d, 22d. There were a few that, though very solvable, didn't quite work for me (a couple from faves with *), but I want to stress that I enjoyed this very much nonetheless. Spoilers ...

I’ll add my plaudits for this on Flush, having enjoyed 24a , 26a, 2d, 16d (see reply +), 19d in particular. Baldur’s comments are fair and helpful. A couple to add in reply (spoiler alert)

Thanks Flush good fun. Faves 5a, 13a, 17a, 5d (I think this construction works nicely!) & 16d (seems familiar enough UK usage to me - specifically for getting the drinks in!) Spoilers...

I thought this was great, Flush. Thanks. My favourites were 2d 3d 5a 13a and 16d…

Well done Flush. As others have said, a generally enjoyable puzzle. I ended up with a completed grid so the clues worked! Other have done the heavy lifting on quiblets - Baldur has been comprehensive- and I'm in general agreement. My podium is 13a, 17a and 26a. Thanks. PM

I’m late to this Flush but did enjoy it, thanks. What’s more, others have picked up some quibbles so I can just concentrate on favourites: 5a, 17a, 2d, 4d and 8d.