Crossword Genius

Popular, a New York fixture, whatever happens (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in any event

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

'popular a new york fixture' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' ('in' can mean trendy).
'new york' becomes 'ny'.
'fixture' becomes 'event' (I've seen this before).
'in'+'a'+'ny'+'event'='IN ANY EVENT'

(Other definitions for in any event that I've seen before include "A versatile athlete may be" , "Anyway" , "Whatever happens" , "How one might describe a decathlete's skill" , "Regardless of circumstances" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Telegraph.
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