SOMETHING is brewing in a converted garage in a quiet corner of rural Dorset on the outskirts of Wimborne.

For this is the HQ of Dorset Herbals, a new company specialising in herbal teas and exotic infusions.

Founder Ross Tapley and fellow director Ed Snook are planning to give some of the bigger names some “steep” competition.

Ross, who is a qualified herbalist, started by making medicinal teas to help treat conditions such as congestion, depression and headache.

“I used to make teas for friends if they had coughs or colds, and then I made one for people coming off medication for depression and it started from there.

“But I’m a big foodie – I love things that taste good - and I’m also fascinated by the chemistry of how it all works.

“An Indian chef showed me how to make a chai, so I decided to make my own house chai and it went from there.”

There are now around 37 different types of tea in the Dorset Herbals range including Turkish Delight, Sleepy Tea, Chocolate and Orange, Coconut Chai and Rise and Shine, a coffee substitute.

Ross and Ed, both 23-years-old, originally met at Poole grammar school, but lost touch after they went to university.

Their paths crossed again last summer, and Dorset Herbals officially started trading in September.

Ed explains: “Tea drinking is having a revival – particularly herbal and flavoured teas – even the big coffee shops have their own range of posh tea brands now.”

The pair are regulars at local food festivals and farmers’ markets, and local restaurant, No 9 on the Green in Wimborne, is stocking a bespoke range.

Their approach is certainly unconventional. Between them they can produce around 1,000 bags a day, one spooning the tea and herbs into the bags which are then sealed with a pair of hair straighteners.

“We will be getting mechanised in February and then we will be able can do 50 a minute,” says Ross.

The 20-something tea-makers are keen to encourage more of their generation to try herbal tea.

Ed explains: “I want to get more people my age drinking it. I only remember one person at uni who drank green tea but that was because he was into health and fitness.”

The lads have developed a non-alcoholic G&T and are planning to launch a range of iced cocktail teas next summer such as Marteani and MyChai.

Ross adds: “We want to raise the Dorset brand and to offer types of tea you can’t find elsewhere.”

Their hangover tea looks set to be a big seller over Christmas and the New Year.

“It contains dandelion and passion flower which is a good liver tonic and ginger which helps to clear the head,” says Ross who keeps a database of all the ingredients for the various brews.

“It can take a while to get a blend just right – the most important thing is that it tastes good. If my mum likes it, then I know I’m on the right track!”