Restaurateur Vikas Nath guilty of drink spiking at exclusive London club
Vikas Nath, a renowned restaurateur, has been found guilty of spiking a woman's drink with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) at the exclusive Annabel's club in London. Staff intervened, preventing the woman from consuming the drugged drink, and police were alerted. Nath admitted to spiking the drink but claimed his intention was to 'relax' the woman, not for sexual assault, a claim disputed by prosecutors who presented evidence of his intent.
Key Highlights
- Vikas Nath, owner of Michelin-starred restaurants, found guilty of drink spiking.
- The incident occurred at the exclusive Annabel's club in London.
- Staff intervened and prevented the woman from drinking the spiked beverage.
- Nath admitted to spiking the drink but denied sexual intent.
- Prosecutors presented evidence of Nath's intent to sexually assault the victim.
- The case involved CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and text messages.
Vikas Nath, a 63-year-old restaurateur with a portfolio of high-end restaurants in the UK and Spain, including establishments with Michelin stars, has been found guilty of spiking a woman's drink with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) at the exclusive Annabel's private members' club in Mayfair, London. The incident occurred on January 15, 2024. Nath admitted to using a straw to administer the substance into the woman's spicy margarita, which he had brought with him in a vanilla extract bottle. He claimed his intention was to 'relax' the woman, stating he had no intention of having sex with her. However, prosecutors argued that Nath's actions were premeditated and intended to incapacitate the woman for sexual assault. Evidence presented in court included CCTV footage from Annabel's, which captured Nath tampering with the drink. Staff at the club noticed Nath's suspicious behavior, intervened, and replaced the spiked drink with a fresh one before the woman could consume it. They then alerted the police. During the investigation, two bottles of GBL were found at Nath's Knightsbridge home, along with a motion-sensor activated covert camera pointed at his bed, which he admitted to using to record sexual activity. Text messages exchanged between Nath and a friend were also presented in court, suggesting his frustration with the woman's reluctance to engage in sexual activity and his desire for it to happen. Nath was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing. The BBC reported on the verdict on February 6, 2026. The conviction highlights the dangers of drink spiking and the role of quick-thinking staff and robust evidence in bringing offenders to justice. The Metropolitan Police emphasized the importance of their swift action in arresting and charging Nath within 24 hours of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vikas Nath and what was he accused of?
Vikas Nath is a 63-year-old restaurateur, owner of several Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and Spain. He was accused of spiking a woman's drink with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) at the exclusive Annabel's club in London with the intent to sexually assault her.
What was the outcome of the court case?
Vikas Nath was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. He has been remanded in custody pending sentencing.
What is gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)?
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a colorless liquid that can be used as a solvent but is also known as a date-rape drug. When ingested, it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness, making the victim vulnerable to sexual assault.
How was Nath caught?
Staff at Annabel's club noticed Nath tampering with the woman's drink using a straw and a small bottle. They intervened, replaced the drink, and alerted the police. The incident was also captured on CCTV.
What was Nath's defense?
Nath admitted to spiking the drink but claimed his intention was only to 'relax' the woman, not to have sex with her. Prosecutors, however, presented evidence, including text messages and the discovery of a hidden camera at his home, to support their claim of his predatory intent.