Gaufrid

An enjoyable, though I thought somewhat easier than usual (the non-thematic clues at least), Cinephile today in which we were told ‘the monarch is the same throughout’. The first thematic entry I got … Read more >>

A new blogger is required for the Tuesday FT otherwise this puzzle will not be covered as from a couple of weeks time. If you are interested in contributing a blog each week … Read more >>

A relatively gentle end to the working week. Nothing obscure apart from, possibly, the Spanish poet and dramatist at 24a and the Italian frothy custard at 14d. There was a strong temptation to … Read more >>

I always enjoy one of the Don’s crosswords and this was no exception. Some clever clues and I particularly liked 28a even though it went in on the first pass. 19a, 22a, 5d, … Read more >>

A relatively gentle stroll today but a very pleasant one due to the excellent surface of the clues. I had to smile at some of the clues, for example 14a, 25a and 11d though I did … Read more >>

A definite challenge from Cinephile today with only a few answers entered during my first pass through the clues. However, eventually everything fell into place and the result was an enjoyable solve, though I … Read more >>

I thought we might be in for a hard time today what with this being puzzle number 13,000 and it being Friday the 13th but no, the only problem seems to be the … Read more >>

Two enjoyable FT puzzles in a row, first Monk now Mudd. Some of the clues had me metaphorically scratching my head but then the penny would drop and I had to smile at … Read more >>

As usual with Monk, some delightfully misleading clues and some excellent construction. It was a pleasure to solve and blog this one. . . Across 1,6,28 FINANCIAL TIMES CROSSWORD  *(MAN N FACILITIES) CROSS … Read more >>

What can I say? Nothing controversial today, nothing too difficult and nothing to quibble about. There were a couple of obscure words (9a & 8d) but these were easy to determine from the … Read more >>

I can’t say I particularly enjoyed this one but that may be partly due to the fact that I woke up with toothache this morning. Some of the surfaces seemed ‘strained’ or didn’t … Read more >>

I found this generally up to Bradman’s usual high standard, with some good clues, but unfortunately there appears to be one significant error (4a). I am also not too happy with the wordplay … Read more >>

A very pleasing puzzle, even when solving at 4am! A minor quibble with 17a but otherwise some enjoyable clues. Unusually for me the first run through generated no definite grid entries but the … Read more >>

A definite challenge today due to the Oxford College theme and some unfamiliar words. I found it difficult to get into the puzzle until the significance of ‘OC’ emerged and 7a/8d held me … Read more >>