ACROSS
 1. <NCO> COLOUR SERGEANT = (OR GENERAL + SCOUT)*
10. <Cockney> EAST ENDER = E AS + TENDER
11. A + B + IDE = ABIDE <bear>
12. <amphibian> TOAD = "TOWED"
13. <band> JAMIROQUAI = JAM I_ R_ O_ QUAI[-l]
15. EG G+T I'M ←RE← = EGG TIMER <kitchen counter>
16. <saving> THRIFT = TH_ RIFT
19. <worst> BETTER <punter>
20. <old miss> SPINSTER = PRENTISS*
22. <access> ADMITTANCE = MITT inside A DANCE
24. LT after J_ I_  = JILT <to cancel engagement>
26. _N_E_ R_V_E_ = NERVE <insolence>
27. ONE W ALL after ST = STONEWALL <block>
28. (PATISSERI_ HANDS)* = DANISH PASTRIES <baked goods>

DOWN
 2. (.s)ON'S LAUGHT(e.) = ONSLAUGHT <offensive>
 3. _O _P _E _N = OPEN <up in the air>
 4. RE D-F ACED = RED-FACED <looking out of breath>
 5. (A WIRE)* + _G = EARWIG <eavesdrop>
 6. G RAM OP _H_ ON E = GRAMOPHONE <record-player>
 7. (DIE after A) + U = ADIEU <so long>
 8. T_ HEW INTER STALE = THE WINTER'S TALE <play>
 9. FEA_T HERB RAINED = FEATHER-BRAINED <not sage-like?>
14. (CRISES TEND)* = DIRECTNESS <clarity>
17. <complex> INTRICATE = CA inside IN TRITE
18. <absurd> SPECIOUS = IOUS after SPEC
21. PA'S SUP = PASS UP <decline>
23. <sort of wine> = (.h)MIR I N(e.)
25. <Durham river> WEAR <sport>