Have to agree it's back to the good old MM format .. long may it continue. Surprisingly it seemed to be the cryptic that was easier today. As I often struggle with cryptics, it must have been more straightforward today!
Just a hint to Aqua for 27a .. by entering Spanish stew in the one look reverse dictionary the term Olla Podrida was the second listed option. This dictionary is really useful.
thanks Sarumite..that would have saved me a lot of time. Have that site on my 'favourite's' but did not realise about the reverse dictionary..oh well you learn something new every day!