Knightsbridge Restaurateur Accused of Spiking Drink at Exclusive Mayfair Club
A prominent Knightsbridge restaurateur has been caught red-handed spiking a woman's drink with a date-rape drug at the exclusive private members' club Annabel's in Mayfair, according to evidence presented at Southwark Crown Court. Vikas Nath, aged 63, is alleged to have used a straw to introduce gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) into the woman's spicy margarita while they were seated in the rooftop garden bar.
Swift Intervention by Alert Club Staff
The court heard that vigilant staff members at Annabel's observed Nath engaging in suspicious behaviour. They noticed him dipping a straw into a small Madagascan vanilla extract bottle he had retrieved from his pocket, apparently sucking up liquid before transferring it into the margarita. Thanks to their quick thinking, the staff managed to replace the contaminated drink with a fresh one before the woman could consume it.
When police were alerted and on their way to the scene, Nath attempted to dispose of the evidence by throwing the bottle of GBL into a toilet cistern. However, the bottle was later recovered by officers, floating in the water, and forensic analysis confirmed it contained traces of the Class B drug.
Defendant Admits Spiking But Disputes Intent
Vikas Nath, who owns a portfolio of high-end restaurants in the UK and Spain, including two with Michelin stars, has admitted to spiking the drink. However, he claims his intention was merely to "relax" the woman rather than as part of a plan to engage in sexual activity with her. The incident occurred on January 15, 2024, after the woman, a regular member at Annabel's, had invited Nath to the club.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Tim Clark KC highlighted the unusual nature of the case, noting that there is no dispute over the act of spiking itself. "His acceptance is not surprising, he had little choice because the spiking was captured on CCTV at Annabel's," Mr Clark stated. He emphasised that due to the prompt actions of staff, the spiked drink was retrieved, the woman was warned, and authorities were contacted immediately.
Revealing Text Messages and Hidden Camera Evidence
The court was presented with compelling evidence that contradicts Nath's claims about his intentions. Text messages exchanged with a friend prior to the incident reveal Nath expressing frustration over the lack of sexual progress with the woman. In one message, he wrote, "I'm at Annabel's. This is probably the last evening with (her). She ain't biting," to which his friend replied, "Action time I hope."
Further messages from November and December 2023 show Nath stating, "I want to get laid, not hold hands," and suggesting he would "need to play the long game." Additionally, jurors heard that Nath had installed a motion-activated camera in the bedroom of his Knightsbridge home, which he admitted using in the past to covertly record sexual activity. Prosecutors argue this indicates a premeditated plan to record any encounter.
Defendant's Explanations and Ongoing Trial
In his police interview, Nath offered several explanations for his actions. He claimed that he obtained the GBL as a cleaning fluid for a high-performance car and was told by a friend it could be used as a relaxant when mixed with alcohol. He also cited suffering from a mental health breakdown following a divorce from his wife and stated he was unaware that GBL was an illegal substance.
Regarding the disposal of the vanilla extract bottle, Nath asserted he believed the club would disapprove of his activities. Police later discovered two additional bottles of GBL under his sink at home. Vikas Nath denies the charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. The trial continues as the court examines the full extent of the evidence against him.
