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Maybe I'm just off form but I found this really quite difficult. There's some French, food and drink, an author and references to classic literature - how's that for a mixed-bag!

FOI was 5d.

If you do get stuck, there's a hidden in the acrosses and a long anagram in the downs.

COD - has to be the clever 24a:-)

Thanks to Everyman for a challenging but fun crossword.

Did anyone else find this as tricky as I did? feel free to leave a comment and, if you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask for a hint.

stay safe:-)

Hi Brendan,
I had considerably more trouble with this than with yesterday's Prize. The left flank, especially SW quadrant, was troublesome.
FOI 2, LOI 13.
Thanks to Everyman. Not what I was expecting, but a solid challenge.
Co-COD 18 and 8. 4, 13, and 14 also top tier. Worthy of mention: 16, 6, 7, 19.
So there turned out to be a lot of good clues, though the last 15 or so minutes of solving time felt like having teeth pulled!

Hi Geeker,

So it's not just me then. I really like 4d and was going to make it a joint COD.

Brendan, I'm a little tired today but didn't spot any Everyman "trademarks" like rhyming pairs or alliterations. Puzzle had a different feel, maybe an unusual setter(s). The Guardian has been moving setters around lately: I've seen midweek regulars in the Monday slot a couple of times, also one of two Monday regulars midweek.

oops, ...one or two...

Started late and (almost) finished even later. Yes, I agree yesterday's was easier. I too have been dithering with the SE corner and have finally conceded I need help with 13D. I'm confident about the crossers. Not sure I understand the parsing of 26a either. Thanks in advance.

13: think Eliza Doolittle

Oops I meant SW corner (obviously). I must be fading even though it's still late afternoon in La-La Land.

Hi Alzy,

13d - or Dick Van Dyke 😂

26a - 3 letter "upset" inside an anagram of a word in the clue.

26: defn. "vehicles" (UK term).
Outside is scrambled letters of a 7-letter word in the clue.
Inside is a (dubious IMO) syn of a 5-letter word in the clue.