Ash Valenzuela-Heeger | Riverine Rabbit

Ash Valenzuela-Heeger is the chef-owner of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK, a restaurant she runs with her wife, Erin. Originally from Cape Town, Ash has carved out a distinctive place in the culinary world, culminating in her being named the Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award winner for 2025.

Ash trained under the mentorship of renowned chef Luke Dale Roberts at both La Colombe and The Test Kitchen. Her experience also includes working in the UK’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, The Ledbury and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

Ash opened the original Riverine Rabbit in 2016, which focused on live-fire cooking and local produce.

In 2020, Ash relocated to the UK, settling in Birmingham. After a series of pop-ups, she and her wife, Erin, opened the permanent location of Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley. The restaurant has garnered significant praise for its inventive and flavour-driven small plates, which draw on influences from her native South Africa to across Asia, while championing local produce.

In addition to the Young Chef Award, Riverine Rabbit has received a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, a recognition for high-quality food at reasonable prices. Ash’s cooking style is described as original and big on flavour, reflecting her classical training, fine dining background, and a “laidback, a little whimsical” approach. Her success in Birmingham continues to shine a spotlight on South African culinary talent on the world stage.

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You’ll receive a welcome drink on arrival, whilst wine will be available to purchase throughout.

Please select either the standard or vegetarian menu for each person in your party.

Owing to the temporary nature of the forest kitchens, we are unable to cater for allergies. Menu subject to change due to seasonality.