SAY CHEESE, WE’RE ON OUR WHEY BACK

CHEESE, chocolate and champagne will be flowing at Coal River Farm this long weekend, with the owners among many welcoming the lifting of coronavirus-related restrictions.

The Cambridge restaurant, farm and provedore reopened last Monday for up to 10 diners after an extended shutdown, and co-owner Melanie Leesong said the team was thrilled to have stage two restrictions lifting earlier than anticipated.

From 3pm on Friday, Tasmanian cafes and restaurants will be able to welcome up to 40 seated guests.

“We’ll kick off the weekend serving cheese platters and chocolate plates. We won’t move to a full menu until borders are open again and we can have the interstate tourists back,” Mrs Leesong said.

She said a returning sense of normality was beneficial to staff and customers, but there was a lot of work to be done to get ready in time for Friday.

“With three days’ notice, I have to suddenly rehire some casuals for the weekend, but because we produce all the cheese and chocolate on site we’ll be able to start with that easily,” Mrs Leesong said.

“We’re a long way until we’re back in full swing again, but just happy to start getting everyone back again.”