Bushel Pub welcomes locals, tourists alike

The recently-opened Bushel Pub welcomes locals and tourists alike with tasty food, craft beer, and a cozy space to hang out and relax. / Photos Norma Jean Shaw

LINDEN, VA – Boston has the Cheers bar, where “everyone knows your name” and the Front Royal/Warren County area has the Bushel Pub, at Linden’s well-known Apple House, which is quickly becoming a gathering place for locals and those who visit the area as well.

From its humble beginnings as a packing house in 1963, originally owned by Dr. Orville Van Dusen and Ben Lacey, step-father of current proprietor George McIntyre, the Apple House has been a number of different things over the years.

Back in 1977, McIntyre bought out the Van Dusen family and became the sole owner of the Apple House, adding a convenience store, as well as maintaining the packing house. He later added production and bottling of Alpenglow Sparkling Cider.

Over time, the Apple House, which many have viewed as the “gateway to Warren County” for the past 54 years, grew to meet the needs of its increasing customer base. In addition to the gift shop, famous apple butter donuts and other fare available at the Apple House, George and his daughter, Katie Tewell, have added an ice cream stand, a food truck, and the latest addition, a cozy pub.

The Bushel Pub, which was Katie’s idea, held a grand opening on July 22. The pub has been decorated in the style of a clubhouse, with comfortable seating areas for relaxing with a glass of wine and visiting with friends, as well as plenty of tables for groups to meet up for a drink or a meal.

Both George and Katie say that the response from local patrons and tourists alike has been overwhelmingly positive. The atmosphere is different, George said, than a chain restaurant. Apparently, area residents have been checking out the new pub—and returning. “It’s nice,” George said, “to see local folks coming in to enjoy Bushel Pub. We want this to be a place where friends can meet up, where groups can plan to gather.”

George and Katie say that as much as they enjoy seeing tourists frequent the new pub, they are especially happy that local patrons are enjoying the new venue.

He said that a ladies group had met at the pub once already and was planning to meet there on a monthly basis. Plans are also in the works for a sip-and-paint wine glass event, and live entertainment will soon be a part of the goings-on at Bushel Pub.
Katie said the menu offerings include typical pub fare, such as BBQ, burgers, appetizers and such. The restaurant also features unique adult beverage creations, featuring beer and wine.

Bushel Pub Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 A – 8 P
4675 John Marshall Hwy, Linden