Ash Valenzuela-Heeger
Originally from South Africa, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger began working as a pot wash in kitchens at 16, before training at cookery college in classic Cordon Bleu techniques.
| Fact title | Fact data |
|---|---|
| Restaurant |
She gained early mentorship from South African chef Luke Dale Roberts, which helped shape her professional development.
Following this, Ash moved to the UK to gain further experience, spending three years in London kitchens; The Ledbury (at the time - 2 Michelin Stars), Dinner by Heston (2 Michelin stars ) before returning to South Africa, where she opened her first restaurant in 2015, running it until 2020.
In 2020, Ash relocated to Birmingham with her wife, Erin, and worked at Carters of Moseley, a Michelin-starred restaurant, before hosting a series of intimate pop-ups that led to the opening of Riverine Rabbit in January 2024, a 12-seat open kitchen in Stirchley. The restaurant reflects both a personal connection to the Karoo Desert’s riverine rabbit and Ash’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Her restaurant was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Michelin Guide, and in the same year, Ash received the Michelin Young Chef Award and was shortlisted for Best Chef at the 2025 British Restaurant Awards. She has also been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller UK as a “rising star,” celebrated for her personal and playful approach to cuisine.
Ash’s cooking combines classical technique with bold, flavour-driven dishes inspired by her South African roots, delivering an intimate and memorable dining experience for every guest.
Ash took the theme of cinema and really celebrated the talent from Birmingham and the West Midlands.
