Crossword Genius

Starchy item returned to bar staff employed in Spring (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maypole

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'staff employed in spring' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'starchy item returned to bar' is the wordplay.
'starchy item' becomes 'yam' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'returned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'to bar' becomes 'pole'.
'yam' in reverse letter order is 'may'.
'may'+'pole'='MAYPOLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for maypole that I've seen before include "Some English dance around it on 1st May" , "It's danced round with ribbons" , "Something danced round" , "Danced-around post" , "Feature of traditional spring festivities" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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