Restaurant booked out for midnight reopening within minutes as Melburnians rush to 'get on the beers'

Melbourne's hospitality sector is gearing up to reopen from midnight tonight with the party starting as soon as the clock strikes 12 for one restaurant.

Angus & Bon New York steakhouse will be one of the first restaurants in the city to serve patrons at midnight, with a red ribbon cutting to mark the occasion.

Eager Melburnians rushed to book in at the restaurant to celebrate the city's end of lockdown and to finally 'get on the beers', the venue filling up within minutes of announcing its reopening.

Owner Liam Ganley told 9news.com.au the response from customers had been "crazy".

"We are just trying to juggle everything. Everyone is just scrambling to get a table."

Mr Ganley had always maintained as soon as it was permitted, doors would reopen immediately – even at midnight.

"When the announcement came yesterday, it was all guns blazing," he said.

"It's been insane, but at the same it's very exciting. There is a buzz everywhere, a buzz in the streets.

"I've always said the minute we can open, we will."

READ MORE: What retail stores will be reopening in Melbourne and when

Chapel Street Precinct Association General Manager Chrissie Maus said the mood had lifted immensely in the community.

"Half of me is exceptionally relieved and the other half is so thrilled about the announcement and summer on Chapel Street," Ms Maus said.

"It's buzzing already on the street. People tooting their horns, pretending to give each other high fives (COVIDSafe version). Now more than ever do we need people to support our local businesses as they start their climb out of debt."

Preparations for Angus & Bon's outdoor dining installation will begin on Monday, which would allow the venue to seat 50 patrons outside.

The new outdoor pop-up Lakeside at Carousel will also transform the Albert Park Lake from the start of November until at least March next year.

Lakeside at Carousel will take over the outdoor decking and the Pelican Lawn, creating a food and beverage precinct.

COVID-19 safe circles will be dotted across the lawn, along with striped umbrellas, DJs, live music and entertainment.

Melbourne's iconic Chin Chin is also set to reopen tomorrow, alongside Baby Pizza and Hawker Hall.

Dozens of restaurants across Melbourne will implement the Gold Standard Health and Wellbeing plan which goes beyond the Victorian government's COVID Safe plan requirements.

Deep cleaning protocols, which include a monthly antimicrobial fogging that claims to kill COVID-19 on contact, will form part of the plan.

Similar to health rating labels on food packaging, a Gold Tick symbol will be found at venue entrances indicating the venue's commitment to the safety, health and wellbeing of patrons and staff.

Follow 9News.com.au's COVID-19 coverage for Victoria:

READ MORE: Full list of restrictions that have changed in Victoria

READ MORE: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' full statement on easing restrictions

READ MORE: Shopping centres, food courts, and beauty salons can reopen

READ MORE: Melbourne residents will be allowed to leave their homes for any reason

READ MORE: End to Melbourne lockdown - how the Third Step will roll out in Victoria

READ MORE: Your five-minute guide to Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions easing

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians.

Visit the site here or call 1800512348. For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.