Mayfair restaurateur denies trying to spike woman's drink

A man who owns two Michelin-starred establishments has denied attempting to spike a woman's drink at a private club in London's Mayfair.

Vikas Nath, 61, from Kensington, is accused of trying to administer a substance with the intent of "stupefying or overpowering" a woman to engage in sexual activity.

Mr Nath is also charged with possession of the so-called "date rape" drug GBL.

Southwark Crown Court fixed a trial date of February 2026.

Judge Philip Bartle KC told him: "As you have pleaded not guilty, there will be a trial, unfortunately not for some considerable time."

Mr Nath was bailed on condition that he lives and sleeps at his home, surrenders his passports, does not travel south of the river Thames unless to attend court, and remains at home between 23:00 and 07:00.

He is also banned from entering a licensed premises that sells alcohol and he cannot contact the alleged victim, either directly or indirectly.

He is listed at Companies House as a director of Termdeal Ltd, which is behind high-end Indian restaurant Benares in Mayfair.

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