Apologies for the late blog – I volunteered to step in when it became apparent that the blog had not yet appeared today.
Financial Times 18,193 by MONK
A wonderful and tricky challenge.
Independent 12180 / Eccles
Eccles is now virtually a fixture as a setter of the Independent Wednesday crossword.
If you’re coming to York S&B…
… and you have a name badge from last year (or another occasion), could you bring it, please. You can get an updated insert for it. Thanks!
Inquisitor 1929: The Party’s Over by Ifor
The fifteensquared website shows that this is Ifor’s 53rd Inquisitor puzzle since he first appeared in February 2011. Ifor varies his themes, which are often associated with lesser known subjects, so there is always a chance to learn new facts.
Independent 12,179 by Hoskins
Hoskins today with his usual hints of naughtiness scattered across the clues.
Guardian 29,831 – Pangakupu
An interesting mix of some very easy clues and some that were a lot chewier, and a word that was new to me. Thanks to Pangakupu.
Financial Times 18,192 by PETO
I was really struggling with today’s challenge from Peto until I was nearly three-quarters done, when the remaining solutions seemed to fall into place all at once. I found the clues quite good overall.
Spectator 2723: Not Like Us by Fire
A new chapter …
Financial Times 18,191 by MUDD
MUDD kicks off the week…
Independent 12,178 by Hubble
I thought I'd seen Hubble before but I can't find any previous puzzles on 225 which have appeared under that name, so maybe this is a new compiler.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,830 by Vulcan
Vulcan kicks off the week for us.
Financial Times 18,190 by Guy
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of October 18, 2025
Everyman 4,121/12 October
All the usual trademarks present in this week’s Everyman, accompanied by an apology from me for a slightly late blog.
Guardian Quiptic 1,352 by Pasquale
Pasquale is on double duty this weekend having set both the Quick Cryptic and the Quiptic …