Grotto resident in pleasant area (5)
I believe the answer is:
santa
'grotto resident' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'in pleasant area' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'SANTA' is hidden in the letters of 'pleasant area'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for santa that I've seen before include "He comes down chimney" , "generous visitor" , "Dad in a red and white outfit?" , "Children's name for Mr Claus" , "& 22 Father Christmas" .)