PUBSPY'S VIEW

When the gavel went down at The Auctioneer, the only bidding taking place was a fond farewell from its student punters.

The sticky-surfaced, slightly grimy hangout has long gone and in its place has appeared The Lost Hour – a modern, trendy joint for grownups who adore cocktails.

It’s hard to believe that only a matter of weeks ago I was being thrown out of this very pub for not having ID on me when all I wanted was a Diet Coke and some scran.

Leaving the 18-year-old drinkers to it, I left thinking I would never return.

But then as if by magic, this trendy, clean and inviting new bar has popped up in its place and it’s as if the sorry incident never happened.

Ultra stylish, the bar is decorated in teal and crisp cream and boasts a stunning cocktail menu.

With the Olympics around the corner, it seems owners Stonegate are hoping the transformation will attract slighter older, slighter deeper-pocketed customers.

Sadly, I wasn’t on a glamorous, boozy night out when I fell across The Lost Hour - otherwise I would most definitely have tried one their exciting ‘bomb’ shots.

The Glitter Bomb (Red Bull with Goldschläger) in particular was crying out to be drunk.

Forget pixie dust, this little baby is sure to make your night magical if not memorable.

But seeing as it was just after 12pm on a workday, I fought the temptation to get sloshed and ordered the super healthy sounding Superfood Salad Wrap with slices of grilled chicken for £5.25.

Containing spinach, broccoli, butternut squash and pomegranate, this delicious snack is a healthy-living explosion and the lime and chilli dressing gives it a good kick.

And if you’re ever stuck between meetings in Greenwich, this is a fantastic place to keep in mind.

Signs advertise free Wi-Fi and sockets for you to charge up the old laptop – perfect for getting a little work done in the comfort of such professional-feeling surroundings.

It may be wise to bring headphones though because a few students point blank refuse to let go of their old haunt.

One joyous group was very keen to prove they knew all the words to Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.

“I said a hip hop, the hippie the hippie to the hip-hip hop, a you don’t stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.” They shouted in each other’s faces.

Although thoroughly impressed with their skills, the squawking left me gagging for a bottle of Desperados (£3.25).

For you football fans there are plenty of screens showing Sky Sports and this is surely one of the coolest places in town to catch Chelsea v Bayern Munich on May 19.

On tap there’s Carlsberg, Beck’s Vier, John Smith’s, Guinness and Strongbow if you don’t fancy a Glitter Bomb.

I’ll definitely be back one night to lose an hour, or two, at this swanky new bar.

How The Lost Hour rates:

Decor: **** (modern, attractive and trendy with a hint of quirk)

Drink: **** (great cocktail list and good offers)

Price: *** (average)

Food: *** (plenty of choice with something for everyone)

Atmosphere: *** (relaxed and inviting) Staff: **** (very friendly, helpful and polite)

Address: The Lost Hour,217-219 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8NB