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Thanks jono. I hadn't made the letter swap in 26

Thanks Jono. I see it now

But I assume the definition for 26 is 'limits'? I never like these either/or clues.

Way too tough for an Everyman imo. Also, an odd number of cluing errors - the aforementioned 2d, but also both 16a and 22d seem to be missing a plural. The only thing that makes me think it's the usual setter is the nasty 1d, a type of clue that seems to amuse him greatly, as he's used it plenty of times before. With a bit of luck, someone at the Observer will soon have a quiet word.

Phil, in 16 ‘adopting’ is an insertion indicator and ‘against’ is two letters not one. Does that help with the plural?

Teeweens.
I went for the meaning as limits as well for 26a.

This did seem a little off-kilter with the usual Everymans (Everymen?) - with so many clues relying on the setter’s (and solvers) wit. I too was not happy with 99 but you do see it in crosswords too often. As for the plural issue in 22d, I guess ‘verse’ could be a mass noun?

Thanks, Jono. Yep, I saw that as soon as I posted (as usual). Still think 'adopted' is a pretty dodgy indicator for 'within', though, And of course 'verse' could be construed as plural in 22d, too. But there was so much ambiguity in both clues already (not to mention countless others this week), I don't think we needed even more,

Being a native of the city made 1a an easy FOI. The rest required quite a bit of thought, but then it is supposed to be a puzzle! LOIs 3d and 26a needed muliple crossers before the pennies finally dropped. Others (including 12a and 24a) raised a
smile. COD 11d, in my view. Re: 2: for someone who had not come across its use this way before its meaning in the current context seemed pretty clear. Thanks, Everyman, for a good workout.

Afternoon all.
I agree, Carmel, 2D worked fine for me.
I found it trickier than usual and can't get a handle on the last two - 3D and 15A.
I enjoyed many of the clues, especially 24A, but can't parse 4D. Hints welcome.
Thanks, Everyman.