Our Story

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.

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.