Crossword Genius

The old place isn't quite the best (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thebes

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'the old place' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'isn't quite the best' is the wordplay.
'isn't quite' means to remove the last letter (not quite all of the word).
'the'+'best'='thebest'
'thebest' with its final letter taken off is 'THEBES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thebes that I've seen before include "Greek city of Oedipus" , "Ancient Egyptian or Greek city" , "One of the oldest Greek cities" , "Ancient Egyptian city sited at modern-day Luxor" , "Greek city founded by Cadmus" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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