Signature Drinks: Mocha ☕, Aeropress, Macha Lavender Latte
When we first visited Leeds, we were very surprised to see a coffee van selling coffee. We asked ourselfves: why not grab a coffee in a nice weather? Parked in the open courtyard of The Tetley on Hunslet Road, this converted horsebox trailer — warm timber panels, trailing ivy, matte black shell — offers one of the best coffees we have ever tried in Leeds. That’s why CoffeeSynthesis is our first review.
Why CoffeeSynthesis is Different
Behind the hatch is Vinny — an acclaimed specialty barista who doesn't just make good coffee, he thinks deeply about it. His AeroPress recipe draws directly from the 2021 English AeroPress Vice Champion , which in specialty coffee circles, is the kind of credential that gets you taken seriously.
What's behind the counter:
- •Espresso machine (full setup, not compromised for the format)
- •Professional-grade grinders
- •AeroPress brewing station
For a horsebox, the kit is genuinely impressive. Nothing here is decorative.
What We Recommend:
☕ Mocha
This is the one. Vinny uses real dark chocolate — not syrup, not powder — and the difference is immediately obvious. It's rich without being cloying, with a depth that most café mochas simply don't reach. We'd go as far as saying it's among the best Mochas in the UK. Strong claim. We mean it and he deserves it.
🫧 AeroPress
Vinny's personal favourite, and you feel it. Brewed to his Vice Champion recipe, it's strikingly clean and fruity: the kind of cup that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about the method. No bitterness. Just clarity. Make sure to ask for his recommendation of the bean for Aeropress.
🌿Matcha Lavender Latte (Seasonal)
A summer special. The lavender is hand-prepared by Vinny himself, and the fragrance alone is worth pausing over. It's not sweet in the way most flavoured lattes are — it's composed, floral, and genuinely refreshing. Catch it while it's on.
What we drank: My partner went straight for the Mocha. I had the AeroPress on Vinny's recommendation. Neither of us said much for a few minutes — which, honestly, is the best review you can give.
The Vibe & Environment
There's something almost theatrical about CoffeeSynthesis. The horsebox sits in the open cobbled courtyard of The Tetley, surrounded by the bold South Bank murals. Honestly, it is worth to visit here every week during the summer, and i would suggest grab a good coffee in the morning at CoffeeSynthesis will make your day shine.
Most importantly, Vinny is the human element here. He's genuinely talkative — the kind of barista who remembers your order, asks how your week's going, and will happily walk you through why he brews the AeroPress the way he does. It's warm without being performative. You leave feeling like a regular, even on your first visit.
What's More?
From February 2026, Vinny began selling handmade cookies and brownies alongside the coffee. We tried both. They're better than most of what you'll find in Leeds' dedicated bakeries — properly made, not an afterthought. The brownie in particular has the kind of dense, fudgy texture that makes you immediately reach for a second one.
The menu also covers Lemonaid, Iced options, and seasonal specials — there's always a reason to return.
Plan Your Visit
CoffeeSynthesis is typically open Wednesday through Sunday — Monday and Tuesday are usually closed, though hours can shift. Always check Google for the latest times before making the trip, as a horsebox operation runs on its own rhythm.
The location at The Tetley is genuinely convenient: 5 minutes from Leeds City Centre, 8 minutes from Crown Point Shopping Park, and 10 minutes from Costco. If you're planning a shopping run, this is your coffee stop.
Address: CoffeeSynthesis - The Tetley, Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ