Crossword Genius

Leaves the bar at regular times (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tea

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'leaves' is the definition.
(as in tea leaves)

'bar at regular times' is the wordplay.
'bar' becomes 't' (T-bar is a part of a ski lift).
'at' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'regular times' becomes 'ea' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
't'+'ea'='TEA'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tea that I've seen before include "Perhaps Indian" , "Strangely, ate this drink" , "Afternoon or evening meal" , "Refreshment" , "Tisane" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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