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Hello everyone.
I'm an intermediate level solver. I enjoy reading on 15 Squared about the endgame of shading cells and finding themes of Enigmatic Variations but when I look at the clues I know perhaps 1 word in 4 which doesn't sound like fun. Can people recommend a more approachable crossword with an endgame I could try?
Thanks in advance!

Dougalf, hello!

The difficulty level varies in many of the themed crosswords, some weeks are easier than others. Yesterday's EV was very straightforward and the Sunday Telegraph crossword editor said that all of September's puzzles will be on the easier side. The Inquisitor puzzle, in the 'i' on Saturdays is similar - and some weeks it's very tricky, other weeks it isn't. I think it's really just a case of try it and see. Good luck!

The complexity of incorporating an endgame means that the setter will almost invariably need to draw on the full resources of Chambers dictionary; many solvers enjoy using the accurate wordplays and the high proportion of checked letters in barred puzzles to lead them into the more mysterious corners of that dictionary, but if unfamiliar words are not your thing (I assume that's what you mean when you say that you only know 1 word in 4), then I can't suggest any barred crossword which is going to suit.

Another worth taking a look at is the Guardian Genius which come out on the first Monday of each month. Some don't have 'end games' as such and the style does vary depending upon the setter. Here's one that I particularly enjoyed at the time which does have a 'mini' end game of sorts.

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2017/09/03/Genius171_.pdf

Why don’t you try the Spectator crossword? It has straightforward clues and normally an end game based on an unclued set of answers. For example the one this week had English cricket captains as the theme. The only downside is that you have to subscribe or buy the magazine and you may not agree with the politics found therein!

Exactly the kind of replies I was looking for, thanks all. Now to see which ones I can track down over here.

Dougalf, it's worth having a look at 'milestone' crosswords from Azed ie 2250, 2500 etc. He often themes them and they are available on line (Guardian). Azed is also an excellent, consistent introduction to the 'must have Chambers' type crosswords. Chambers is also available as an app with a reasonable anagram capability.

The Spectator allows access to two free articles per month, and the crossword counts as an article. It's possible that many regular users of the Internet can figure out a way to get around the two per month limit, not that I would ever do that of course.

Well, that was just right! Spectator 2470: Express route by Doc. He sets as Maskarade in the Guardian so I hoped it would be about my level. A barred grid but the few obscure words were fairly clued and a really nice endgame to discover.
And what a back catalogue to work through there!
Next up will be the Genius 171, Qaos being another setter I really enjoy. Thank-you simond9x for the link.
I’m hoping to get a few of this month’s EVs cut out and sent over.
And that should keep me going to Christmas 🙂
Thanks all!