Tweet

Ash Valenzuela-Heeger has earned the ‘Michelin Young Chef of the Year’ title. Whilst Riverine Rabbit in Stirchley and Tropea in Harborne received a Bib Gourmand at the 2025 Michelin Guide Awards.

A Stirchley chef, known for running a popular 12-seat restaurant, has been crowned the Michelin Young Chef of the Year for 2025. Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, the talent behind Riverine Rabbit on Pershore Road, received the award during a ceremony held in Glasgow on Monday, February 10.

The restaurant was also awarded a Bib Gourmand – a Michelin distinction awarded to restaurants offering ‘exceptional food at an affordable price.’ Inspectors praised the restaurant’s ‘friendly service’ and ‘flavour-packed dishes,’ noting its ‘budget-friendly pricing’ as a bonus. Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger proudly delivers her dishes from behind a kitchen counter, and her wife, Dr. Erin Valenzuela-Heeger leads the friendly service, offering a prix fixe menu inspired by Ash’s South African roots.

When asked about the award win, Ash and Erin said: ‘We’re honoured to receive such a prestigious award and Ash being named Michelin Young Chef of the Year is the icing on the cake! We’re proud to be a part of Birmingham’s reputation as a go-to culinary destination.”

Tropea, an intimate neighbourhood restaurant and bar co-owned by Ben Robinson Young and Kasia Piatkowska, was recognised for its ‘flavourful, fuss-free Italian sharing plates,’ ‘buzzing atmosphere,’ and “friendly service.’ Michelin Inspectors highlighted the homemade pasta dishes as a particular standout.

Speaking about their Bib Gourmand, Ben and Kasia said: “To be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand means so much to us as it represents what we hoped Tropea would become: a restaurant that serves great food, that’s good value, cooked with care and served with love.”

Riverine Rabbit is at 1464 Pershore Road, Stirchley. Bookings can be made at: https://www.riverinerabbit.co.uk/reservations