Crossword Genius

Small, mischievous creature at church event in sort of restaurant? (4-7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

self-service

'sort of restaurant?' is the definition.
(restaurant where diners serve themselves)

'small mischievous creature at church event' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'mischievous creature' becomes 'elf' (creature in folk lore).
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'church event' becomes 'service' (a church service).
's'+'elf'+'service'='SELF-SERVICE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for self-service that I've seen before include "Like some shops or cafeterias" , "Like some restaurants" , "Without waiting, take" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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