Hotel Lincoln's Iain Ling to open 'Chinese-ish' diner Super Ling

First he refreshed Carlton's Hotel Lincoln. Now Iain Ling is rejuvenating a tired cafe just two doors up from the pub at 138 Queensberry Street.

Teaming up with chef Michael Li (ex MoVida, Lee Ho Fook, Restaurant Shik), the British-born former MoVida Aqui manager is turning what was Queens Cafe into Super Ling, a Chinese-ish diner. "It's not really a restaurant," says Ling, "It's only 30 seats so it's too small to be a restaurant. It'll be nice and chilled out."

Li and Ling share Hakka heritage, a culture originating on China's Central Plain and now found in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, among others, which will inspire the menu – think umami-rich dumplings, rice and noodle dishes. There will also be a small drinks list covering wine, beer, sake and non-alcoholic options, and, as it's practically next door, the Lincoln's 150-bottle-deep wine list will also be available to order in at Super Ling.

"It's going to be pretty fun and informal due to its size, with comforting dishes that remind us all of home and our heritage," says Ling.

They aim to open in August. "But because of the age of the building we keep finding problems here and there," says Ling.

The light-filled room will have exposed brickwork (revealed when they removed old tiles), high ceilings and a large communal table surrounded by mixed-height seating.

They plan to serve lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and dinner only on Saturdays.

Meanwhile, Ling and Li will trial the Super Ling concept in Adelaide on Sunday, July 15, popping up at Iberia restaurant on Rundle Street.