Iconic Cygnet eatery the Red Velvet Lounge is on the market

ONE of the institutions that helped put Cygnet on the national gourmet foodie map is on the market.

Steve Cumper at the almost finished Red Velvet Lounge. Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet will be opening in July thanks to a $75,000 loan from government and generous community support

ONE of the institutions that helped put a Huon Valley town on the national gourmet foodie map is on the market.

Just under a year after ­reopening following a devastating fire, the Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet is for sale.

MORE: CUMPER SAYS POPULAR CAFE WILL RISE AGAIN

Owner Steve Cumper said he was ready to move on from the popular Cygnet cafe, but would remain in Tasmania.

“I haven’t got any firm plans, but I think it’s just time to do something different,” he said.

Tasmania Fire Service attend a structure fire at the iconic Cygnet eatery, The Red Velvet Lounge.

“It’ll be hard to say goodbye to the business. We love it — it’s our home.”

The local community rallied in support of Mr Cumper after the venue was badly damaged by fire in November 2014, helping to raise more than $30,000 to rebuild and reopen it in July last year.

The State Government also stepped in, with a loan of $75,000.

MORE: GOVERNMENT HELP FOR RED VELVET LOUNGE

Mr Cumper said the loan would be repaid in full.