Thomas Keller

As Pastry Chef, Jamie Houghton oversees The French Laundry’s pastry program from menu development and collaboration to team leadership.

Originally from the United Kingdom, he began his career in Suffolk as a commis before joining the two-starred Michelin restaurant Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons for nine-and-a-half years, where he made his ascent to Senior Sous Chef. 

From an early age, Jamie developed a deep appreciation for sweets and hospitality, from enjoying his mother’s ever-present Victoria sponge cake with buttercream and strawberry jam to washing dishes at his father’s restaurant. His time in professional kitchens fueled his desire to develop further as a chef. Since 2013, Jamie has competed in pastry competitions throughout Europe, led master classes for United Kingdom-based organizations and developed Britain’s first Young Pastry Chef competition.  

In 2021, Jamie served as the President of Team UK in Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and earned a Master of Culinary Arts in Pastry from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.