Crossword Genius

Watering hole popular before noon (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inn

'watering hole' is the definition.
(both can mean a drinking establishment)

'popular before noon' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' ('in' can mean trendy).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'noon' becomes 'n'.
'in'+'n'='INN'

(Other definitions for inn that I've seen before include "One of Lincoln's" , "Swiss river" , "Hostelry, tavern" , "Old hostelry for travellers" , "Tavern with lodgings" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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