Crossword Genius

Locals popular with Poles (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inns

'locals' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'popular with poles' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in'.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'poles' becomes 'ns' (North and South poles).
'in'+'ns'='INNS'

(Other definitions for inns that I've seen before include "Places of rest and sustenance for travellers" , "Bars" , "Public houses" , "Country taverns" , "More than one pub" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app