Across
6
Large group out to lunch, starter unavailable (4)
8
A rude Etonian struggling to maintain working relations, promptly dismissed (2,3,3,3,3,3,5)
9
On ship heading for Africa, in the doldrums reportedly? (6)
12
Cook passed quarterdeck? (6)
15
Comparative amount fed to horse all the time (8)
16
Allotment 21 gone to seed (8)
21
Letter about surrender, as near as dammit? (3,5)
22
Abscess: one in five say, drained (6)
24
No frills on trip west of small Italian port (6)
25
What can't be said of a palindrome, for sure (5,3,2,3,4,5,2)
26
Book horrifying production company, extremes trimmed back (4)
27
American author in German vessel on water (9)
Down
1
6.75 + 0.6 recurring for silky fabric (5)
2
Spice added to reference book was passionately expressive? (7)
3
Coe rival, yet often fastest, always showing heart? (5)
4
Sparkling hospital department, highly thought of (7)
5
Piece of kit, coat on seen with a '70s jumper (5,4)
13
More Italian mafiosi initially surrounding airport, dangerous element? (9)
14
Names European Community provided filed by operatives (9)
17
Alcoholic drink, beverage inspiring old writer briefly (7)
18
Case of Agincourt in place identified as scene of action (7)
20
Flag featuring leader in Rome on me, old warship (7)
22
Consort, German essentially? (5,6)
23
Ogre: call to have one evicted (5)