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Paul Manzotti

@manzanotti.bsky.social
160 followers 31 following 108 posts

Infrastructure lead ar Better Streets for Birmingham. Write software for a living. Used to produce music and run a record label in my spare time. Love good food and exercising.

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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Actually will be there from 19am, on the grounds that that is when they open!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
I'll be at Grace and James in Kings Heath tomorrow from 9am to 5pm selling my family's delicious Panettone. This year, I am also selling them by the slice!
Delicious Panettone with York Road as a backdrop.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
I still fundamentally disagree with the opinion that the speed chosen was over the top. As someone who took the train from Birmingham to Copenhagen last summer, those 30 minutes saved, if repeated on the German lines, would make a massive difference to total journey time.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Tell me you've never had a really good Panettone without telling me you've never had a really good Panettone...
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
I'll be there from 1130 to 4pm-ish tomorrow (Sunday 21st). I only have 1 Almond and 15 Apricot Panettone left, and about 10 jars each of the fabulous Gianduja, and White Chocolate Pistachio sauces.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
I will be at Grace and James in Kings Heath this weekend, 10-5, with fabulous panettone! Come along and say hi, try a sample, and discover how you can level-up your Xmas.
Fabulous Panettone drizzled with Gianduja sauce
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Another heads up, I will be at Grace and James in Kings Heath from 11-3 tomorrow (29th November) giving out free samples of our fabulous panettone. If you're around, please come and say hi and try some!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Heads up, pre-orders for our fantastic panettone ends this Wednesday evening. I will be buying extra to sell after that, but the price will go up, thanks to a brutal exchange rate. manzotti-panettoni.co.uk
manzotti-panettoni.co.uk
Manzotti Panettoni
Manzotti Panettoni
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Having spent 50 hours in København, we're now on the train to Hamburg, which is a significantly nicer train than the one that did the reverse journey!
View from the train from København to Hamburg.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Sorry, was too busy having fun to post everything in here as well as Instagram! If you're desperate to see what we got up to in the last week, it's here: www.instagram.com/paulmanzotti
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
What drives me mad about noisy vehicles is that these people are literally advertising that they are going to drive illegally (even discounting the illegal exhausts). So, why aren't the police taking the easy wins being handed to them on a plate? Seizr and crush the lot of them.
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Reposted by Paul Manzotti
Vision Zero Vancouver @visionzerovancouver.ca · 20/08/2025
It was awesome collaborating with @tomflood.bsky.social on this project. So cool to see this up!
Billboard reads: Smoking tables next to non-smoking tables used to be normal too. Join us in fighting for safe streets. The vision Zero logo and Rovelo Creative are listed below. On the right, a photo of a young child riding a bike on the shoulder of a road next to a very large truck.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
I forgot to post this shot of sunset from the København to Oslo ferry a couple of days ago, and it seems too nice not to!
Sunset from the København to Oslo ferry.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Just one of the many plates of food I ate at the breakfast buffet this morning! A definite improvement in quality compared to the buffet on the ferry yesterday.
Mini pastries from our breakfast buffet.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Got up reasonably early and headed out for a pre-breakfast 10k run. Claire wanted to see this light installation, which did mean we had about 180m of hill to get up, which was interesting! Did get some lovely views of Oslo though.
Me in front of the Dilemma sculpture in Ekebergparken. Panoramic shot of the light installation in Ekebergparken. View from Ekebergparken over Oslo Harbour. A row of pretty coloured houses at the bottom of Ekebergparken.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
One of the things on our to do list in Oslo was to recreate photos from our last trip here in 2018. This park was on our way back from dinner, so we had to stop off.
Tom and Daisy on the Geometric Fox in 2018.Tom and Daisy on the Geometric Fox in 2025.Tom and Daisy under the Roggbif in 2018.Tom and Daisy under the Roggbif in 2025.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
The first place Daisy requested we re-visit was San Francisco Bread Bowl. Glad to say it's as good as I remember! Rather than ordering 2 bread bowls each, we got refills. Both the Baja Chicken and BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese were delicious. Pudding was an amazing cookie ice cream sandwich.
San Francisco Bread Bowl. Baja Chicken bread bowl with jalapeños. Bbq Chicken Mac and Cheese bread bowl. The amazing cookie ice cream sandwich.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
I'm not the only one getting strong New Street Signal Box vibes from the Munch Museum, am I?
The New Street Signal Box. I mean the Munch Museum in Oslo.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Wandered back to the waterfront and climbed the impressive opera house. Interesting to see the Munch Museum, as they were constructing it when we were here 7 years ago. Had to put our feet in the water at the harbour. It was definitely fresh, not sure about swimming in it when we go to the sauna!
The Munch Museum, as seen from the top of Oslo Opera House. View of Oslo Harbour from the top of the Opera House. The interesting interior of Oslo Opera House. My feet in the water!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Decided to partake in the ship breakfast buffet, aiming to eat enough to not need lunch; I think I managed it, but I'm not sure about the rest of the family! (I had way more than I photographed) Walked the 3k to our hotel, dumped our luggage in the baggage area, and had a coffee at Tim Wendelboe.
Pancakes with butter and maple syrup. Disappointingly sugary danish pastries. View of Oslo from the ship. The remnants of a very nice Latte (a flat White, really) from Tim Wendelboe.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
After a refreshingly good night's sleep, we've awoken to clear blue skies and the sun shining over the fjord! #flightfree
The sun shining over a fjord.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
We had one final wander around the centre of København, before making our way to the terminal for the next leg of our #flightfree holiday; the overnight ferry to Oslo. See ya, København, until next... er, week.
The Rundtaarn. One of the many jice parks in København. Our ferry to Oslo.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
When we told the kids we were stopping in Copenhagen, Daisy requested we go to Poulette again. Who was I to say no? Lucked out with no queue, I ordered both the Fried Chicken bum and the Mapu Tofu bun, with fried. Both were fabulous, I possibly preferred the Mapu Tofu, but it was close!
Poulette, in København. Poulette so Mapu Tofu bun. The spiced fries. FRIED Chicken bun from Poulette. So good.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
At Hart Bageri again, had a Cinnamon Twist and a Spandauer. This was a good move, the twist was even better than the Cardamom Croissant, a lovely touch of the salt in the base elevating the flavour. And custard is always going to work in a pastry for me. Post check out, we wandered the harbour.
Cinnamon Twist and a Spandauer from Hart Bageri. Things of beauty. Bryggebroen, the cool pedestrian and cyclists only bridge. A cool looking building in København. Photo looking south across one of the city lakes.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
After a good night's sleep, headed out early for an easy run. Whilst I expected to see the concrete elefants at the old Carlsberg brewery, seeing real ones at the back of the zoo was a real bonus! Hit the hotel gym for a workout, then jumped on bikes to get breakfast.
The concrete elefants! The famous tower at København zoo. Real elefants! Stats of my run.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
All in all, it was as good as we remembered it being three years ago, and well worth the return visit. We were feeling cycled out for the day, so took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, stopping at reception to get a fan to make up for the lack of air con.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Then, finally, Korean Fried Chicken, which was awesome! It had a decent kick, too. Then, as if they knew we were going to be there, Sticky Toffee Pudding was on the menu. It passed the test. I particularly liked the brandy sauce they poured over it in addition to the toffee sauce.
Korean Fried Chicken. So good. Sticky Toffee Pudding. 😍Front of the menu at Propaganda. The menu options.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Next up, Grilled Hake in a Spicy Tomato Sauce, which was expertly cooked and tasty as hell. This was followed by Grilled Pork Neck in a spicy plum sauce, which again hit the spot. Mushroom Coconut Sticky Rice did exactly what it said on the tin.
Grilled Hake in a Spicy Tomato Sauce. Grilled Pork Neck in a spicy plum sauce. Mushroom Coconut Sticky Rice.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Next up was some extremely good kimchi, followed by Grilled Corn on Creamed Beans with Steamed Buns. Again, so much flavour! Panko-coated Aubergine with a spicy peanut sauce kept the quality level high.
Grilled Corn on Creamed Beans Steamed beans for the grilled corn. Kimchi. Awesome. Panko-coated Aubergine with a spicy sauce.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Dinnertime saw us cycle up to Propaganda, a cracking restaurant we visited on our last trip 3 years ago. We started with a glass of Muri, a fermented rice drink, and it was delicious. The first dish put was a Cold Noodle Salad with charred Cucumber and Pecorino, and it was a flavour bomb!
Muri, a fermented rice drink. Very tasty. Cold noodle salad.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Had to take a diversion home from the beach to see a troll!
A troll lying down.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
A nice 8k cycle down down Amager Strand Beach. Blisteringly hot in the sun, but look at that view of *the* bridge!
*The* bridge.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Lunch was at La Tre Vietnamese Street Kitchen, for their delicious Bàhn Mì. Daisy had the Chicken, whilst the rest of us had the Beef Lemongrass. So good. Their home-made Kombucha was mighty fine, too.
Beef Lemongrass Bàhn Mì Chicken Bàhn Mì
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
When we were in København for 9 days in 2022, we used monthly Donkey Republic passes. It was great value. It wouldn't be this time, but they now do day passes. We signed up and cycled to town for lunch. One big development is that the bikes now have SEVEN gears! That'd be so useful in Birmingham!
The snazzy new Donkey Republic bikes in København. The new Donkey Republic bikes have SEVEN gears!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
After a total lack of sleep (was too hot), went out for a pre-breakfast 10k run around Copenhagen. It was a gloriously sunny morning, so everything looked good! Finished at Hart Bageri for their amazing Cardamom Croissant and a cheeky half a brown butter chocolate chip cookie.
The awesome pedestrian and cyclist-only bridge across København harbour. Inside Hart Bageri in the meat packing district of København. The amazing Cardamom Croissant from Hart Bageri. The Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie from Hart Bageri wasn't too shabby either.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
We were a little full after that feast from Warpigs, so we decided to talk a long walk home. As much as it doesn't appeal to me as an amusement park, Tivoli Gardens does look rather magical in the dark! And I always think that the harbour looks magical with lights reflecting on the water.
Tivoli Gardens all lit up. Some lights reflecting on the water of København harbour.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
After checking in to our hotel, we moseyed on over to Warpigs, a micro-brewery and BBQ Smokehouse, where we grabbed a sharing tray for 4. Excellent food and a warm re-introduction to København.
The front of Warpigs micro-brewery and BBQ Smokehouse. The Warpigs sharing tray in all it's glory! Cheesy hotlinks, delicious! Ribs and brisket.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Hands up which idiot left his laptop charger and euro plug adaptor on the Hamburg train earlier today? 🤦 Let's see if the @deutschebahn.com loat and found service can work its magic!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Speaking of København... Hej!
A shot of København train station, with some delightful blooming from the setting sun.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Luckily (or maybe because it was a Saturday), traffic was pretty light on our routes, so it wasn't bad. But, still, it felt like it could be so much better. Probably didn't help knowing the standard of cycling infrastructure we're heading to in Copenhagen!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
However, the cycling infrastructure in Köln is, well, it isn't decent. We only encountered painted cycle lanes (that often went from a full lane width to less than a metre past parked cars) and shared paths. Google Maps routing us through the rammed main shopping area didn't help!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
I meant to say earlier, the bike scheme in Köln is pretty damned good. You use the nextbike app which allows you to rent 4 bikes at a time. As a family that has six train company apps installed with my login so that everyone can get their own train tickets into Google Wallet, this was a relief!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
By drinks, they meant hot drinks. In a carriage with broken air con. Luckily, we're British, so the idea of having a cup of tea even in this stifling train is OK. Apparently on track to arrive in Copenhagen on time. 75 minutes to go!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
This EuroCity train to Copenhagen is a real step down from the German ICE trains; the air con doesn't work very well, there are only two second class carriages with power sockets, and no catering facilities. Apparently, a 7-11 employee will board at the next station with some drinks to sell!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Glad it's providing others some interest, too! I am definitely enjoying the trip, splitting the journey into distinct segments has really helped. Having had a really fun day in Köln yesterday has made it easier to deal with any issues today.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
We have left Hamburg! 20 minutes late, in the end, though they expect us to be only 6 minutes late leaving from the next station. Second train snack from Bastian's Bakery, this plum, apple, and almond flour delight!
No idea what this cake is called. Pretty sure it has plum, apple, and almond flour in it. Most importantly, it was delicious!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Thankfully, the train didn't lose any more time, so we rolled into Hamburg 23 minutes late. The Copenhagen train was already waiting for us, but we'll be leaving 15 minutes late as we have to wait for another late-running Deutsche Bahn service. 🤦
The view from the train into Hamburg Station. Perfectly pleasant, which is fortunate given well be leaving 15 minutes late!
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
The fourth train of our trip arrived 10 minutes late, but a Brezel from Bastian's Bakery made up for it. Train lunch of Currywurst and Chips with a buttered Brezel was tasty. Train now 23 minutes late, which I guess is one way to make the 40 minute gap between our trains shorter!
Our delayed train arriving at Köln Station. Brezel from Bastian's Bakery. Tain lunch of Currywurst and Chips with a buttered Brezel.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
It still baffles me that this hasn't spread around the world, it's such an ingenious solution! Certainly better than Birmingham City Council's solution of shutting the cycle lane for 3 years and providing real poor diversions.
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Paul Manzotti @manzanotti.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Ooh, a foodie tour of Brum? Now that sounds like a good idea, if a challenge to fit everything in! 😁
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