About Us
Our story
Born in Lavelanet, Ariège, Philippe Lopez discovered his passion for cooking at an early age and trained at the Lycée François Camel, the hospitality school in Saint-Girons.
His career has taken him from the Ariège to a variety of restaurants and dining rooms across Europe, with much of his professional life spent in England. For nearly 40 years, Philippe built an international career in the UK, as a chef and restaurateur, including running his own restaurant in Wetherby, Yorkshire, as well as restaurant operations at Centre Court, Wimbledon, and Leeds United’s Elland Road.
But despite decades abroad, his roots in the Ariège never left him.
Throughout his career, wherever he has been based, Philippe’s cooking has always been grounded in traditional French cuisine, while drawing on the influences and experiences gathered throughout his years in England.
Philippe eventually returned to the Ariège and established Le 5R in Lagarde, where he built a loyal following and developed a reputation for generous, authentic cooking and a warm welcome.
Following the success of Le 5R in Lagarde, Philippe has now taken the next step in his culinary journey, moving Le 5R to the heart of Mirepoix.
In his new home, the philosophy remains the same: cook from scratch, use excellent local produce whenever possible, and let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Fresh fish, local meat and cheese, seasonal vegetables, homemade desserts and products from the surrounding area all feature in his cooking. The result is generous, unfussy food with a French heart and a distinctly personal touch.
After a lifetime in professional kitchens, Philippe is still happiest doing what he has always done — standing behind the stove, cooking for people and watching them enjoy themselves.
From the Ariège to Yorkshire, Wimbledon and back again — and now to the heart of Mirepoix. Philippe’s story is one of food, travel, hard work and, ultimately, coming home.
Our philosophy
Fresh, local ingredients
We source from local farmers and producers so every dish shows the best of Ariège’s seasonal bounty.
French culinary tradition
Philippe’s cooking is rooted in classic French technique, with a modern twist that surprises and delights.
Warm hospitality
With friendly, attentive service, we want every guest to feel at home in our dining room.
Respect for nature
We keep waste low and favour eco-friendly local suppliers.
“Everything is homemade,” says Philippe. “The vegetables are organic and come from the market, the meat from the butcher’s shop in Mirepoix, the cheese is also local, and the wine is from Aude or Minervois.”
Why Le 5 R?
The name Le 5 R is a reminder of where our story began. Our original restaurant in Lagarde sat at the heart of five distinctive local landmarks once used as reference points by small aircraft: Château de Sibra, Château de Montségur, the Tour Saint-Quentin, the Monts d’Olmes and, of course, Château de Lagarde.
Today, Le 5 R has a new home in Mirepoix, but the name remains — a link to our beginnings and the landscape that inspired us.