I think your first version is just fine LJR69. I don't think it needs to be more punchy. (Without checking against the histogram) it looks to me like you have the full range of tones. The midtones look a little flat, so maybe a tweak in curves just in the midtones might improve it. BUT I think the other two versions here (Fiona's and your 2nd one) are too contrasty and have lost much of the
atmosphere of the first one, which I think is far more important that a "correct" histogram.
Edit: But then I'm not a mono boffin
