A restaurant owner with two Michelin-starred establishments has pleaded not guilty to attempting to spike a woman's drink at a private members' club in Mayfair, London. Vikas Nath, 61, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday to face charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of the Class B drug gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
The alleged incident occurred on January 15, with prosecutors claiming Nath attempted to administer the drug 'with the intention of stupefying or overpowering her as to enable you to engage in sexual activity'. The alleged victim cannot be named for legal reasons.
Nath, of Knightsbridge, spoke only to confirm his name and enter a not guilty plea during the 10-minute hearing. Dressed in a blue shirt and tie with a black and white pin-striped suit, he did not appear in the dock due to a hearing problem. Judge Philip Bartle KC fixed a trial estimated to last four to five days, starting on February 22, 2026.
Nath was granted bail with conditions including residing at his home, surrendering his passports, not travelling south of the River Thames unless for court, and a curfew from 11pm to 7am. He is also banned from entering licensed premises selling alcohol and from contacting the alleged victim.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Nath is a company director with a portfolio of seven restaurants in the UK and Spain, including two Michelin-starred establishments.
