Our Story
JH Mann Fishmongers
J H Mann Fishmongers was originally started in Hillsborough over 100 years ago, making it an essential part of Sheffield’s rich tapestry.
Founded by the Mann family in 1921, the business was taken over by Christian Szurko in 2005, who had established a close friendship with Peter Mann during his time as head chef. Christian knew the quality of the produce was exceptional and vowed to continue to the same level of excellence.
The business expanded three years later with the opening of the Sharrow Vale shop in 2008, where J H Mann is based today. The Shop offers a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood for collection or a in-house dining option.
Due to the increasing popularity of the food, Christian soon found that the shop was no longer sufficient to keep up with the demand.
Post-lockdown, J H Mann began working hard on their newest venture, the fresh fish and seafood restaurant, Native, which opened May 2021 on Gibraltar Street in Sheffield.
Christian Szurko
Christian Szurko started his catering career at Baldwin’s Omega, Sheffield at aged 16. He then moved to London and began working at Langan’s Brassiere, then owned by Sir Michael Caine, before getting the chance to work at The Ivy.
Christian was soon promoted to head chef of the private dining room where he catered for a number of famous faces. He also worked for Mark Hix MBE, running his outside events company for a similar clientele. He then moved to The Ivy’s sister restaurant J Sheekey to learn more about fish and seafood under their head chef Tim Hughes.
Christian was keen to return to his roots and left London in 2001 to start a family back home in Sheffield. He assisted in the opening of The Blue Room, staying there for a few years before working in a number of small restaurants throughout the region.
It wasn't until after working at The Restaurant Bar and Grill Company that Christian decided to open his own business with his brother Daniel. Opening their bar, The Lounge, in September 2005, then taking over J H Mann in December of that year.
From there Christian worked hard to bring something of London to Sheffield, a melting pot of London-sophistication and Sheffield’s rustic charm all housed in one venture, Native.
Native Seafood REstaurant
In a city hungry for authentic, independent food, Native emerged as Sheffield’s number 1 and only dedicated Seafood restaurant.
Native was born following a simple mantra
“Seafood should be fresh, honest and as dynamic as the waters it comes from”
Christian dedicated the menu to the seasons, what you see today may vanish tomorrow, replaced with a ever changing catch.
From Turbot hauled in from the north sea, scallops hand-dived from the coast of Scotland, to lobster from the south coast, Native was made to truly showcase the amazing bounty we are blessed with in the UK.
Not just showcasing the best of the oceans, Christian strove to make Native a haven where quality trumps trends, with a unique small-batch wine menu and warm welcoming staff, more than able to answer any question on fish and pairings.
Fresh. Seasonal. Uncompromising
Building on the history of JH Mann and the success of Native, Christian chartered course for a new venture, a cocktail bar.
Opened in 2024, The Stag & Eel blends London-inspired sophistication with Sheffield’s bold character. Located next door to Native on Gibraltar street.
The menu is a tribute to classic cocktails, reimagined with a unexpected twist, from Maple infused Old Fashioned to Black Forrest Martinis, every ingredient speaks to the drinker.
Focusing on home-made liquors and syrups, The Stag & Eel quickly became a hot spot for the Sheffield cocktail scene with its ever changing seasonal menu.
Featuring a real wood bar top, carefully selected art work and a large suntrap courtyard, the Stag & Eel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some authentic quality cocktails.