Recently, After5 sat down with Joyce, founder of Côte du Cool and restaurant partner of After5. We talked with Joyce—an ambitious woman herself—about her inspiration behind Côte du Cool, female friendship, and what it is like to see the magic of After5 unfolding before her eyes.
We love Joyce and Côte du Cool because not only does she take excellent care of the women joining After5 at her location, she is a champion of female connection. Taking a step into Côte du Cool feels like being welcomed to her living room.
After5:
Can you tell us about your background? How old are you, where are you from, and what did you do before starting Côte du Cool?
Joyce:
Sure. My name is Joyce, and I’m the owner of Côte du Cool. We started Côte du Cool in 2021, so it's been a couple of years now.
I wasn't born and raised in Rotterdam; I was born in the eastern part of the Netherlands and moved to Rotterdam when I was 21. I've studied film, photography, and economics—two very different fields. My career path was always entrepreneurial, even when I worked for a company. Around age 25 or 26, I quit my job to focus fully on entrepreneurship, taking on HR interim assignments because that was my expertise. After gaining experience, I told my boyfriend I wanted to be an entrepreneur full-time but didn’t want to stay in HR.
I had always dreamed of opening a small wine shop, importing unique wines, and creating a cozy space for people to enjoy them. We initially started with online sales and a few marketplaces, which worked well. Then we found this beautiful location and decided we needed to open a full wine bar. So, what began as a small wine shop idea grew into a full-scale wine bar and shop in Little C, Rotterdam.
After5:
That’s amazing! What makes Côte du Cool unique? What’s the story behind it?
Joyce:
Côte du Cool has two main focuses: the wine and the experience. We wanted to import wines we loved, while also being mindful of sustainability. All of our wines are organic or biodynamic, sourced from small wineries and winemakers who are passionate about their craft. Some of our winemakers have only four hectares, which is tiny, but they’re incredibly dedicated and committed to sustainable winemaking.
For the bar, we wanted it to feel like home. It’s very open and interactive; guests can even walk around behind the bar. We aimed for a comfortable, cozy vibe with soft colors—lots of pink, purple, and some blue for contrast.
After5:
We love that color palette too! It definitely feels like the perfect place for a girls' night out!
What do female friendships mean to you?
Joyce:
My female friendships are essential. I have a close group of friends who support each other unconditionally. Building friendships, especially as an adult, can be challenging, which is why communities like After5 are so important. Life changes us; the person you were in high school isn’t the same as the person you are in your twenties. After5 brings like-minded women together, helping them find community and encouragement as they pursue their passions.
After5:
I couldn’t agree more. Speaking of After5, can you complete this sentence: “I love After5 because…”
Joyce:
I love After5 because it fosters new friendships. When guests arrive, they’re often a bit nervous, like it’s a first date, but by the end of the night, they’re connecting over shared views on life, love, and more. They come in around 5 or 5:30, and sometimes stay until 11 or even midnight! It’s wonderful to see these connections form and friendships spark.
After5:
That sounds fantastic! What does an After5 table at Côte du Cool look like?
Joyce:
When you book an After5 table, you get your own section where guests are seated and introduced to each other. The evening begins with introductions, and we make sure everyone is comfortable and has what they need. We hear snippets of passionate conversations about careers, life, and goals. Everyone’s open-minded, and it’s hours of genuine enjoyment and connection. There’s plenty of food and wine, and non-alcoholic options are available too. By the end of the evening, guests leave happy and often with several new friends.
After5:
That sounds perfect. Any final thoughts?
Joyce:
Just that I encourage every woman to join After5. It’s inclusive and supportive—a great way to meet amazing people.
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