The meals were served and the beers were flowing - with the meal - as pubs, restaurants and cafes finally got a chance to reopen with up to 20 diners at a time.

And for those with multiple rooms, there was a chance of fitting more than just 20 in.

Pubs, like the Brown Hill Hotel, which will open on Tuesday, are thrilled to be welcoming back customers, even if it is in a limited form.

"We do have some bookings dotted throughout the week, hopefully this weather doesn't keep too many away, we'd love to see everyone come in for a meal," publican Krista Harvey said.

"We'll continue to do our takeaway for as long as we can as well.

"We've been very fortunate that we're one of the few pubs left that has a bottle shop attached and we've been able to have that open all the way through and we've had many of our regular customers come in to support us."

Ms Harvey said if, and when, restrictions are lifted later in the month to allow 50 people at a time, the bistro will be open for about 30 patrons.

She said she was thrilled to see customers back at the pub.

"For some people, the sad part is they live on their own and coming to the pub is their only form of social gathering," she said. "There are an awful lot of people who have been missing that interaction.

"The real change will come when we are allowed to order a drink at the bar. If I'm honest, I personally don't see a big difference between a person sitting at a bar and walking the aisles at Coles or Bunnings.

"But it is what it is, and it's important we make sure everyone keeps safe.

"It's greatly important we follow the instructions. It will keep customers and staff safe and will also provide a protection for their family and friends. If we all follow the rules, we can get back to how things were even sooner."

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