The Mousetrap Theatre – Introducing Margot Dimmer
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The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival takes place this year on 10th and 11th September and is one of the town’s biggest annual events. With its humble beginnings in 1999, the Cheese Festival has grown to become the festival we know today. Here at Harts of Sturwe are proud to be sponsoring the Mousetrap theatre. Over the two day festival we have some great cooking demonstrations and fun events for you to enjoy. Leading up to this great event, we will be introducing each of our guest demonstrators that will be appearing on stage at the Mousetrap Theatre.
About Margot
Margot Dimmer, born and brought up in the Blackmore Vale and has a big heart for the area. Wherever possible she features local, seasonal ingredients on her ever changing menu. We spoke to Margot about her work and what she enjoys about the Cheese Festival. 
Tell us a little bit about Thyme after Time?
Thyme after Time Cafeis a unique establishment placed in a converted farm building. Located at Spire Hill Farm on the outskirts of Stalbridge. We offer simple, good food - done well. Breakfasts are one of our specialities. We make all our own baked beans, use local butcher’s sausages, the best black pudding we can find and our bubble and squeak is a favourite too. Freshly cooked waffles with bacon, poached eggs and maple syrup has become a permanent feature on our menu, because of its popularity with our customers. Lunches are vibrant and varied with something to appeal to everyone. On top of that we are very proud of the coffee we make in our cafe using locally roasted beans by Giles Dick Read of Sherborne, we have a great selection of teas too! If that is not enough, all our cakes are made by us on the premises. Thyme after Time also prepares food for clients hosting parties. Whether it is a canape party, finger buffet or a sit down meal we will prepare everything to order for you in our kitchen.
Can you tell us what you enjoy about the Cheese festival?
The cheese festival for me is just a chef’s idea of heaven! All that produce and much of it local too in one place and on my doorstep - can it get any better? Not only that for me it is a proper social occasion. I get to catch up with lots of local fellow business men and women whom I have got to know over the years and have a bit of a chin wag. We are all busy producing and running our businesses and don't really see each other much so its lovely just to stop and say 'Hi' if nothing else!
What is your favourite Cheese?
See now that can very much depend on my mood at the time. I don't think a good Cheddar can be beaten, I love a crumbly Cheshire. Brie definitely has its place and despite thinking I was a totally non blue cheese girl, I have actually recently acquired a taste for Dorset Blue Vinny. Cheese does not come any better for me than with a hunk of the freshest doorstep proper bakery bread and some decent homemade pickle or chutney. It must be the farming blood in my veins - cause cider is a good accompaniment too!
What would your ideal job be if you weren't doing what you are now?
I have never ever wanted to do anything other than what I am doing now. At 8 years old I knew I wanted to be a Chef and I don't feel any different now. I just love to cook. The only minor side step I would consider is to teach more people how to cook. It breaks my heart when folk tell me they cannot cook, and it takes very little to build someone’s confidence. We should all know how to cook something, even if it is only a go too six healthy supper dishes. I passionately despise processed food and large chains. Food should be about enjoyment and sitting together socially, a memorable experience even in the simplest way.
When and Where?
You will be able to see Margot on stage at the Mousetrap Theatre on Saturday 10th September at 11am. Please come along and we hope you enjoy the Cheese Festival.