**Seagulls Cause Chaos at Tenby Pub, Ruining Woman’s Outdoor Lunch**
A quiet al fresco lunch in Tenby took a dramatic turn last week after a group of five seagulls launched a brazen attack on a woman’s meal, resulting in a shattered glass and startled diners. The incident occurred outside the Lifeboat Tavern, a well-known family-run pub in the coastal Welsh town, and was caught on video by onlookers.
The clip, which has since circulated on social media, captured the initial calm swiftly giving way to chaos as the seagulls swooped down with surprising speed and coordination. Shouts of alarm rang out as the birds homed in on the woman’s food, scattering plates and smashing a glass in the process. According to eyewitnesses, it was only after another customer intervened to chase off the birds that order was eventually restored.
Such incidents are not uncommon in tourist hotspots like Tenby, where seagull populations have learned to exploit busy outdoor dining areas. Recent research conducted in 2024 by WhichBingo highlighted Tenby as one of the UK’s worst-affected towns for troublesome gulls — a claim now vividly supported by this latest incident. Whilst many are familiar with gulls snatching chips from unwary diners, encountering a coordinated raid on an occupied table marks an escalation that has left many locals and visitors rattled.
The Lifeboat Tavern, recognisable from its striking red exterior, has been welcoming patrons on the town’s bustling high street for over two decades. It boasts a menu of hearty homecooked food alongside cocktails and coffee, all just a short walk from Tenby’s picturesque beaches. However, its popularity has not escaped the attention of the town’s feathered opportunists.
Local folklore even features a notable character: Steven Seagal, a seagull named by residents for his persistent presence near dining areas and his penchant for stealing food from unsuspecting tourists. Incidents like these add to his growing notoriety, contributing to the ongoing debate about how best to coexist with these persistent urban birds.
Experts have weighed in to explain the gulls’ bold behaviour. Professor Paul Graham, an academic in animal behaviour at the University of Sussex, explained to the BBC that urban gulls are remarkably clever and adaptable. “We might see their actions as mischievous or even criminal, but in reality, these are intelligent birds responding to the loss of their natural habitats. Forced out by urban development, they’ve been left with few options other than raiding our open bins and cafe tables.”
Further advice came from Dr Neeltje Boogert of the University of Exeter, who suggested an unconventional but effective deterrent: maintaining direct eye contact. “Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are significantly less likely to approach your food if you watch them closely,” she told the Daily Mail. Dr Boogert also noted that gulls usually survey their target for an accessible escape route before making a move. “They prefer approaching from directions that allow for a quick getaway, so positioning yourself against a wall or sitting under parasols and other overhead cover can reduce the risk,” she added.
Tenby’s seaside charm and vibrant hospitality scene continue to draw large numbers of visitors each summer. However, as the town grapples with the ongoing challenge of managing its growing seagull population, both businesses and diners are seeking new strategies to avoid future mealtime mishaps. Pub owners and locals are now advising customers to remain vigilant — and perhaps to keep a watchful gaze on the skies above as much as the menu in hand.
As the dust settles following the recent feathered commotion, one thing is clear: the clever adaptation of seagulls to urban life is far from a fleeting problem. It’s a phenomenon requiring understanding, respect, and a little extra caution for anyone looking to enjoy lunch by Wales’ scenic coastline.