CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Seaside treat best to eat cold

(4-3) 5. Strange dog is running round

Oxford University (7) 9. Polished end of table leg with

tan liquid (7) 10. Standard metal in rake (7) 11. Cameron drinking ice tea mixed with a bit of elderberry for a spell of calm (9) 12. Blackadder finally trapped by

silly plan (5) 13. Back in nurseries to order

plants (5) 15. Harmony by one on instrument

(9) 17. Soldier on manoeuvres peers

around at all times (9) 19. Unfortunately sat in the middle

of dad’s food (5) 22. Attack on television (5) 23. Distinguished achaeologist’s excavation in field disturbed no Liberal (9) 25. Old bird beginning to move in

tree top (7) 26. Maiden wriggling toes in water

(7) 27. Happy with a smaller amount in

sack (7) 28. One who’s chosen no wealth:

ultimate in abstinence (7)

DOWN 1. Climber and sycophant will be

seen by the Queen (7) 2. Herb for e.g. an omelette? In

part (7) 3. Cost after top of ivy’s hacked

off (5) 4. Extra ice mixed with first of

tequilas for free (9) 5. Swear by remedy when taking

in sun (5) 6. Stumble after cycle — it takes

one back to the start (5,4) 7. Paper folding in spring almost a

first for Murdoch (7) 8. Pacify pet in French (7) 14. We see past wild flowers (5,4) 16. Left in church, my gran’s upset

reverend (9) 17. Saw dog held by lead (7) 18. Routine about to secure prize

(7) 20. Chap in nets turned up and

bowled over (7) 21. Desperate fellow put in stake at

a steady pace (7) 23. Fear King’s inside slaughtered

(5) 24. Dialect I’d picked up in the Isle

of Man (5)