Welcome to Hillsboro Public House, a charming restaurant housed in a historic building that has stood the test of time since its early 20th-century origins as Moore’s General Store. Nestled in the small southern community of Hillsboro in Pocahontas County, our two-story structure on Highway 219 retains its vintage charm with a high-pressed tin ceiling, original wood floors, and shelves that echo its storied past. Recently revitalized by owner Terrell McSweeny, this space now embodies the spirit of the Hillsboro community, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Hillsboro Public House is a labor of love, a dedication to preserving the building's rich history, and a commitment to fostering a sense of community. The name "public house" reflects the desire to create a space reminiscent of the historic pubs that played a vital role in the lives of Scottish and Irish settlers in the area—an inclusive gathering place where locals and visitors alike can feel at home.
Nick Travelle, Executive Chef, comes from a small mining town in the mountains of Wales that belong to the same mountain chain as the Appalachians. This is probably why he feels so at home here. He came in a bit of a circuitous route including Cork, Ireland and Seattle, Washington where he met his wife who is from Hillsboro. He brings with him a Celtic culinary tradition focused on locally sourced and seasonal food. He also has a culinary training certification and has begun a training program for employees at the Hillsboro Pub. They learn knife skills, how to source food locally and seasonally, and of course how to make delicious meals. Nick says, “They can learn something in the kitchen and take those skills away with them to college. It is an opportunity for people to take these skills with them and see a little bit of the world or stay.”
Terrell McSweeny
Owner
IN THE NEWS
We're thrilled to share some exciting news and highlights from our vibrant local community! As a proud member of this amazing community, we invite you to check out the latest articles from our local newspapers.
Hashtag WV
”Change is afoot in Hillsboro, WV. There is a new executive chef in town. His name is Nick Travelle and he hails from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Wales (population 400). He is cheffing away at the Hillsboro Public House and has plans to twist and tweak the menu a bit. Blair Campbell, who owned the Pretty Penny Cafe and was instrumental in getting the Hillsboro Pub kitchen up and running, has moved on. But don’t fret, The Hillsboro Pub is still the magical place it has been for over a year.”
Pocahontas Times
”For the first time in three years, the building near the corner of Seneca Trail and Denmar Road in Hillsboro, is once again abuzz with customers. It has served as a gathering place for decades – beginning as Moore’s Store, then as a restaurant under the names of Four Winds, Rosewood Café, Country Roads and Pretty Penny Café. Now, owned by Terrell McSweeny and managed by Blair Campbell, it is known as the Hillsboro Public House and has many favorite staples from the past, as well as new dishes on the menu.”
West Virginia Daily News
”The town of Hillsboro in Southeast Pocahontas County has a new restaurant with a menu of creative sandwiches, burgers and dinner entrees that are taste adventures. The chef, Blair Campbell, has had a few restaurant experiences in the area and is a talented kitchen manager. Campbell has teamed up with Terrell McSweeny, who has renovated the kitchen and restaurant building on Roue. 219, running through Hillsboro. McSweeny came to the Greenbrier Valley area in the late 1990s between undergrad and graduate school. She wanted time to work for some volunteer agencies and chose this area. While there, she fell in love with a local boy and with the Pocahontas people.”