Top tavern in place abroad (8)
I believe the answer is:
pinnacle
'top' is the definition.
('pinnacle' can be a synonym of 'top')
'tavern in place abroad' is the wordplay.
'tavern' becomes 'inn' (I've seen this before).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'abroad' is an anagram indicator.
'place' is an anagram of 'pacle'.
'inn' going within 'pacle' is 'PINNACLE'.
(Other definitions for pinnacle that I've seen before include "tip-top" , "Apex" , "The highest point, say of fame" , "Place inn on the very top" , "Crown" .)