South African chef nominated for 'Best Chef' at British Restaurant Awards
Valenzuela‑Heeger is the founder of Riverine Rabbit, a restaurant that originally began as a pop-up in Cape Town before finding a permanent home in Birmingham during the pandemic.
Her food reflects a bold and personal blend of South African heritage and British seasonal produce, writes the Birmingham Wire .
Valenzuela‑Heeger is a Silwood-trained chef who cut her teeth under Luke Dale Roberts at top Cape Town kitchens La Colombe and The Test Kitchen.
She gained further international experience at renowned UK restaurants, including The Ledbury in Notting Hill, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Carters of Moseley.
She then returned to Cape Town to start her own ventures – first ASH Restaurant in 2016, and later Riverine Rabbit in 2018.
According to British Restaurant Awards judges, the Eastern Cape-born chef weaves South African culinary heritage into her menu.
Her Birmingham-based Riverine Rabbit has since become a celebrated name in the city's food scene.
Among its offerings are spice-infused small plates, crab toast, and honey-cured beef, using seasonal British ingredients.
This distinctive SA-UK mix earned Riverine Rabbit a Michelin Bib Gourmand earlier this year, while Valenzuela‑Heeger was the recipient of the Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award for 2025.
'I'm not surprised that Ash has been awarded,' said Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly after Valenzuela‑Heeger's Michelin Award.
'I've followed her for many years – particularly when she was at The Test Kitchen. She's just a powerhouse.'
'Her flavours are unique – powerful and packed full of flavour.'
Valenzuela‑Heeger also starred on the Netflix series The Final Table – a reality cooking show that featured 24 recognised chefs from around the world.
The British Restaurant Awards shortlist will be officially revealed on 10 September. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London later this year.
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