Crossword Genius

Empty pub about noon (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barren

'empty' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'pub about noon' is the wordplay.
'pub' becomes 'bar' (I've seen this before).
'about' becomes 're' (regarding).
'noon' becomes 'n'.
'bar'+'re'+'n'='BARREN'

(Other definitions for barren that I've seen before include "Incapable of sustaining life" , "Unproductive, arid" , "Sterile" , "Arid, infertile" , "Unable to bear young" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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