Michelin-star restaurant owner found guilty of spiking woman's cocktail

A Michelin‑star restaurateur was found guilty of attempting to administer GBL to a woman at Annabel's in January 2024; a further hearing is scheduled for 16 February.

Vikas Nath, a restaurateur who owns Benares and other establishments, was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of attempting to administer a substance to a woman at Annabel's in Mayfair. The incident took place on 15 January 2024 and was the subject of a criminal trial. Prosecutors said the substance involved was gamma‑butyrolactone (GBL). The jury returned guilty verdicts on charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. Known details: - The defendant is a 63‑year‑old restaurateur who owns Benares and other restaurants. - Prosecutors said GBL was put into the woman's drink at Annabel's in Mayfair on 15 January 2024. - A jury found him guilty of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. - A further hearing in the case has been scheduled for 16 February. Summary: The jury convicted the restaurateur on charges relating to an attempt to administer a substance and related possession. A further hearing is scheduled for 16 February.