Guardian

Not, as I’d expected, a St Valentine’s Day special, but a theme based on famous Belgians, of whom there are supposedly very few, though for its size Belgium in fact does pretty well. … Read more >>

What a delight to see Pasquale back – fully recovered, I hope. There are several slightly unusual words but they are scrupulously well-clued and there are some lovely surface readings. A highly enjoyable … Read more >>

As usual, good fun from Paul, with a couple of typically cheeky clues, and not too difficult. One or two minor quibbles, but nothing to complain too much about: in fact there are … Read more >>

A fun puzzle, which wasn’t too difficult – on the other hand, I have quite a few questions or quibbles below, which I’m sure people will be able to correct. 🙂 Across 1. … Read more >>

dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram Wow! So many new words in a … Read more >>

As easy as you’d expect on a Monday except for a few horticultural clues that were completely out of my areas of expertise, which had to wait until I had most of the … Read more >>

In the absence of the scheduled blogger, I’m offering this as a late substitute, so apologies for any typos, etc.  I didn’t expect to be blogging this puzzle, so made no notes as … Read more >>

Straightforward for a friday but very pleasing with a nice agricultural theme. dd = double definition * = anagram “” = homophone (X) = inserted (x) = deleted << = reversed Across 7. … Read more >>

Another treat of a puzzle from Araucaria, ingeniously celebrating the 200th ‘birthday’ of both Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln. There are a couple of answers where I look forward to clarification, which I’m … Read more >>

A characteristically straightforward but enjoyable puzzle from Chifonie. There’s just one clue (3dn) where I think things have gone astray, but perhaps others can convince me it’s all right. Key: dd = double … Read more >>

dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram A delightful puzzle with many different devices … Read more >>

A fun puzzle from Rufus to start the week. I particularly enjoyed 26a and 13 down. Across 7. DOWNCAST Double definition 9. IN LIEU IN = “Not out” + LIE + U 10. … Read more >>

My first Saturday crossword and it was an Araucaria so I was a bit intimidated, but managed ok.  It took just over an hour to fill out most of the grid, then the … Read more >>

Puck seems to be in a thirsty, miserable mood, with a number of references to drinking / being drunk as well as depression in the clues. Quite a few tricky ones today, I … Read more >>

A mixture of very easy clues and some that are rather tricky to explain. I’m slightly doubtful about my explanations for 11a, 12a and could do with some suggestions for 28a and 20d. … Read more >>