The latest news brings Melbourne venues into line with regional Victoria, with Premier Daniel Andrews flagging a further easing of state-wide restrictions in two weeks' time.

Restaurants are reopening and the lifting of the “ring of steel” is on the cards. It should feel good, but it also feels strange.

The newest reopening date for the hospitality industry is five days earlier than first announced by the Victorian government.

Restaurants, cafés and pubs in Melbourne will be allowed to seat up to 20 diners inside, and 50 outside.

After five years at the celebrated regional restaurant, the couple is looking to the future.

“We do not take the health of Victorians lightly. But we believe the industry can safely reopen sooner than this road map specifies.”

For Melbourne restaurateurs following the roadmap to Victoria’s new COVID normal, waiting for the city's reopening is one form of pain; the yawning chasm of uncertainty that stretches ahead is another.

With the embattled state enduring the toughest restrictions in the country, supporting the local food and beverage industry is more important than ever.

Far from the madding crowd, these chefs and owners established their big dreams in small towns. Low seasons may be built into their business models; global pandemics are not.

How many more wine labels does this country need? The answer, it seems, is a lot more.