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A nice and challenging start to Sunday. I liked 6a and 11a particularly, It took a while to figure out 12d - clever.
Ed

Started out merrily enough, then turned into a tedious slog for me. Everyman seems to be having an identity crisis.

Good day all. Back to normal for me. Some went in nicely others needed a lot of work. As usual i may have a couple wrong (eg 23a, 25a). Spooner returned but I do not see the two devices. 15a made me smile as did 18a. Agree 12d was clever but I'll give my CoD to 4d.

Gunpowder is another type of cheering beverage, like Earl Grey, English Breakfast etc

Thanks Smot, got it now I've seen there are two of the same thing!

Agree with Lucertola. Has Everyman suddenly decided we've had it too easy for too long? LOI 1d seems very tenuous to me (if I've got the right answer), definition of 24a seems wrong (should be understand, not prepare), 15a and 17a both tricky, which in turn makes 13d, err, challenging, 18a is surely UK specific. Thank goodness the SE corner provided a bit of relief - by the time I got down there I was fearing the worst!

Phil, in 24a the definition is only the first word.

Thanks Jono. That works.

Despite Smot's hint and much head scratching I really cannot see any spoonerism in 7d.
Any there any other hints out there?

For 7D switch first three letters of first word and First of second.