This crossword No. 27209 clues and answers were published on Mon 29 May 2017 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 27209 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Attendant in a mess : STEWARD
5-across – Idly follows one’s fancy as a scribbler : DOODLES
9-across – Scramble up and get caught by branch : CLIMB
10-across – Offensive lout hangs around : ONSLAUGHT
11-across – Key workers? : LOCKSMITHS
12-across – Bird takes direction at first light : DAWN
14-across – Advisers are represented on opposing sides : ADVERSARIES
18-across – No more stars twinkling for those who watch at night : ASTRONOMERS
21-across – Having free rein with regard to the matter : INRE
22-across – Girl’s letter giving the brush off? : DISMISSIVE
25-across – A girl getting into giddy hero worship? : ADORATION
26-across – A newly married woman has no right to stay : ABIDE
27-across – Press hard for change in net rate : ENTREAT
28-across – Figure of eight : OCTAGON
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Island where spring starts frostily : SICILY
2-down – Show how Venice developed : EVINCE
3-down – Sam’s abroad, working as a diplomat : AMBASSADOR
4-down – Loincloth can make a number very warm, I conclude : DHOTI
5-down – Fire — or let off? : DISCHARGE
6-down – Square cuts, surprisingly, may be seen there : OVAL
7-down – Two requirements of a ship’s captain from a humble background? : LOGCABIN
8-down – Perverted anti-Mass in devil worship : SATANISM
13-down – Not the true origin of race? : FALSESTART
15-down – Noted bowman : VIOLINIST
16-down – Jests appear stale as they grow old : BADINAGE
17-down – Row not unexpected in Belfast’s parliament : STORMONT
19-down – Sound observation, using a quote : CITING
20-down – River veers roughly north : SEVERN
23-down – Fruit gives chap vitality : MANGO
24-down – Silver taken in church — just a pound! : CAGE
This crossword has in total 30 where 14 are across and 16 are down.