Crossword Genius

Empty pub before time, finally (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bare

'empty' is the definition.
(eg 'the cupboards were bare')

'pub before time finally' is the wordplay.
'pub' becomes 'bar' (both are drinking establishments).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'finally' indicates one should take the final letters.
The last letter of 'time' is 'e'.
'bar'+'e'='BARE'

(Other definitions for bare that I've seen before include "Stark - naked" , "Naked or empty" , "Not covered" , "Carried" , "Without protective covering" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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