Shocking Incident at Annabel’s: Michelin-Star Chef Found Guilty of Drink Spiking
The High-Profile Case Unfolds
In a shocking turn of events, Vikas Nath, a 63-year-old owner of a Michelin-star restaurant, has been found guilty of spiking a woman’s drink with a date-rape drug at Annabel’s, a renowned private members’ club in Mayfair, London. On January 15, 2024, Nath laced the woman’s spicy margarita with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), intending to overpower her.
The Details of the Crime
The Southwark Crown Court revealed that Nath became increasingly frustrated with the woman’s refusal to engage in sexual activity prior to the drink-spiking incident. He gained access to Annabel’s rooftop garden bar with two bottles of GBL, disguised in a vanilla extract bottle. His actions were captured on CCTV, showing him using a straw to add the substance to her drink.
Staff Intervention
Annabel’s staff became suspicious of Nath’s unusual behavior and intervened before the woman could consume the spiked drink. Their prompt action likely prevented a deeply traumatic incident from occurring. The bar staff managed to recover the margarita and notified authorities, leading to a thorough investigation.
Prior Incidents and Background
The court discovered that Nath had two bottles of GBL in his Knightsbridge home and a covert motion sensor camera aimed at his bed. During police interviews, he admitted to having filmed sexual encounters without consent in the past.
The Reaction from the Woman
The woman involved in the case expressed feelings of betrayal and shock. Initially, she could not believe that Nath could commit such an act, stating, “I remember defending Mr. Nath, saying, ‘There is no way he could do that.’” After learning of the incident and the staff’s intervention, she felt it was her fault, questioning her own judgement.
Nath had previously warned her about the dangers of drink spiking, ironically claiming concern for her safety. In an unsettling twist, while he enjoyed their company, he expressed to a friend that he wanted to pursue a sexual relationship with her, labelling her as “eminently f***able.”
The Courtroom Drama
When the jury delivered the verdict, Nath shook his head in disbelief. He had already confessed to the act but maintained that his intention was not to overpower the woman for sex; instead, he claimed he wanted to help “relax” her—a claim that the court dismissed.
Defensive Arguments and Realizations
During the trial, Nath attempted to defend his actions, stating that he didn’t realize GBL was an illegal drug and argued that he never intended to have sexual relations with the woman at that moment. However, his earlier messages to friends clearly indicated otherwise, revealing his motivations and mentality.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the guilty verdict for attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug, prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of spiking cases, highlighting their potential to leave victims traumatized and fearful. Timothy Greaves from the CPS remarked, “Spiking is an incredibly serious offense,” reinforcing that offenders will be held accountable under the law.
As Nath’s case continues, a further hearing is scheduled for February 16, where the court is expected to deliberate on sentencing and implications of these serious charges.