Vikas Nath, a 63-year-old restaurateur with establishments in the UK and Spain, is currently facing trial at Southwark Crown Court over allegations that he spiked a woman's drink with a date-rape drug at an exclusive Mayfair venue. The incident is said to have occurred at the rooftop garden bar of Annabel's private members' club on January 15, 2024.
Alleged Spiking Incident at Celebrity Hotspot
The court heard that Nath was observed using a straw to introduce gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) into the woman's spicy margarita. GBL is a substance frequently associated with drug-facilitated crimes, though it can also serve legitimate purposes as an industrial cleaner. Staff members at Annabel's reportedly witnessed Nath dipping a straw into a small bottle of Madagascan vanilla extract that he had taken from his pocket, before transferring the liquid into the cocktail.
Swift Intervention by Club Staff
Alert employees managed to replace the tampered drink with a fresh one before the woman could consume it. As police were en route to the scene, Nath allegedly disposed of the GBL bottle by throwing it into a toilet cistern. The woman, who has been a member of Annabel's since she was 18 years old, was informed by staff about their concerns regarding her beverage.
Victim's Testimony of Betrayal
The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told jurors that she felt profoundly betrayed by Nath. She described having met him approximately six times prior to the incident, typically for lunches at upscale locations such as the Beaverbrook Town House five-star hotel and Nath's Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant, Benares.
"I recall him forewarning me and my friend about drinks being spiked," the woman testified, referencing a conversation that took place after one of their meetings. This warning came just days before the alleged spiking event at Annabel's.
Text Messages Reveal Prior Concerns
Following a visit to Annabel's and another venue called Cirque Le Soir on January 10, 2024, the woman sent Nath a text message stating, "I don't think I will be drinking today." Nath responded by advising, "I think you should drink, but be aware of people around you. My biggest concern last night was someone spiking your drink."
Unusual Drinking Habits and Generosity
The woman noted that Nath had a peculiar habit of testing drinks with "a little straw" during their encounters, which she initially found strange but eventually grew accustomed to. She explained that he would use the straw to sample beverages, affirming their quality before drinking.
Describing their relationship, the woman said Nath "always paid" for their meals and was "very generous." She mentioned that she did not work and that Nath had given her and a friend a bottle of Jo Malone perfume during their first meeting, noting it was a fragrance his mother favoured.
Emotional Context and Initial Disbelief
The woman revealed that she met Nath while navigating a divorce and family turmoil, including a significant falling out with her father. She perceived him as genuinely concerned about her welfare and felt safe in his company, never anticipating any physical advances.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the woman initially defended Nath, telling the court, "I remember vividly defending Mr Nath, saying 'There is no way he could do that'." She even sent him a message apologising, as she felt responsible and did not want him to face trouble.
Legal Proceedings and Defence
Nath admits to spiking the drink but claims his intention was to "relax" the woman rather than to facilitate sexual activity. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug.
Witness statements from several Annabel's staff members were presented in court, with the head waitress describing how Nath inserted his straw into the drink, potentially releasing liquid into it. Forensic scientist Mark Tyler provided testimony regarding the properties and uses of GBL.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies surrounding this high-profile case.
