Sugar

Gravy

Pleasure

Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure: An Indie Odyssey in Peterborough

Publication date: 28th July, 2024

In a city once voted "Worst Place to Live in the UK," an unlikely musical revolution took place. SUGAR, GRAVY, PLEASURE tells the story of the Sugar Club, Peterborough's legendary alternative music venue that became a haven for misfits, music lovers, and anyone who didn't quite fit in elsewhere.

Pete Elderkin's memoir chronicles his journey from playing in local indie band The Pleasureheads to creating one of the UK's longest-running alternative club nights. Through the evolving musical landscapes of grunge, Britpop, and nu metal, the Sugar Club offered a safe space where people could dress how they wanted, dance how they liked, and hear music that wouldn't be played anywhere else in town.

With a colourful cast of characters including loyal doormen, eccentric DJs, amorous couples under the piano, and a mysterious regular who disappeared into the "Fenland Bermuda Triangle," this is more than just a story about music – it's a celebration of community, friendship, and the power of creating your own culture when none exists. From dodging skinheads and navigating bomb scares to hosting early performances by soon-to-be-famous bands, Elderkin captures both the chaos and the camaraderie of running an alternative club in a provincial city.

Written with humour and heart, SUGAR, GRAVY, PLEASURE is an unapologetic tribute to working-class culture, alternative music, and the magical moments that happen when like-minded people find their tribe. It's a reminder that sometimes the best nights of our lives happen not in the big cities, but in the places where we have to make our own entertainment.

"I loved it. A beautiful, big-hearted book about being a young, working class kid finding joy and the best music you ever heard in the unlikeliest of places. Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure is a love letter to a lost time when music was at the centre of the universe."

Tony Parsons, music journalist and best selling author.

Paperback ISBN 9781805144281, Ebook ISBN 9781805149279, Audiobook ISBN9781805149279.

Paperback 152 pages.

About the Author

Pete Elderkin was born in Peterborough and his debut book details his upbringing and experiences as part of a band, The Pleasureheads, and a DJ promoting indie/alternative club nights. He followed his musical dream to try to reach that holy grail for rock groups, a BBC radio John Peel session. He moved to Auckland, New Zealand in 2002, where he works in the profit for purpose sector. He lives with his wife Jane and their boys Nate and Alfred.

Keep up to date with the news

The Listening party on 11 May 2025 at Met Lounge nightclub, Peterborough.

Pete with special guests Scott, Elm and Carla.

Goodreads book reviews

'Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure: An indie odyssey in Peterborough' 5 star reviews

***** Dean

Growing up in Peterborough—dubbed the worst place to live in the UK on more than one occasion—the Sugar Club offered us working-class teenagers a rare gem: a welcoming space pulsing with great music and even better company. Unlike the pretentious clubs that demanded smart dress and churned out dreary chart hits, the Sugar Club was a breath of fresh air. It became our weekend haven, a spot where friendships were strengthened and unforgettable nights unfolded.

This book captures that essence perfectly—the highs and lows, and the enduring spirit of the Scene that still thrives at the Met Lounge. It's a far cry from the commercial clutter served up by the countless "Townie" clubs that have come and gone. Whether you were a regular at the Sugar Club or simply lived through that golden era of nightlife, this book is a joyful ride down memory lane. Light-hearted, nostalgic, and full of charm, it’s sure to bring a smile and stir memories of the best nights of your youth.

***** Petra

My personal reminiscences stop here as I moved to London in 1991, just as the book starts to get going.
But that doesn’t mean that I was any the less interested. I don’t think that you have to had known the Peterborough scene to enjoy this book. Anyone who remembers their first forays out into local nightlife, or anyone who grew up loving ‘alternative’ music will enjoy this book. Musical genres aside - going out, underage drinking, dancing, listening to live music and just kicking it with your friends is a timeless rite of passage. No matter the era or the geographical location.
‘Sugar, Music, Pleasure’ encapsulates all that matters about being a teenager in your own locality and the pure joy of all those ‘first’ experiences before life starts getting a bit more grown up. So even though Peterborough has been voted ‘The worst place to live in England’ several times, there was a shine to that shit and this book brings out the shine of the city.

Great stuff!

***** Richard

For any indie kid in their mid-50s, this is a nostalgic walk down memory lane. It brought back many happy memories for this Pleasureheads fanboy. Even if you’re not from Peterborough; not in your mid 50s; not obsessed with music there is still a lot to love and enjoy about this tale of growing up in a small town. I devoured it in one sitting.

Highly recommended.

Listen to the audiobook free on Spotify Premium

https://open.spotify.com/show/7GSkhyu7dhpK2flITlzBHv?si=7b94f85203a44d5d

Award winner May 2025

2025 Contribution to Art and Culture award, a civic award from Peterborough City Council.

Review by Tony Parsons, UK.

Music journalist and best selling author review.

"I loved it. A beautiful, big-hearted book about being a young, working class kid finding life, joy and the best music you ever heard in the most unlikeliest of places. 'Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure' is a love letter to a lost time when music was at the centre of the universe."

Listening party in Peterborough

Sunday 11th May

The Pleasureheads story, captured in a dedicated chapter

Photo - Melody Maker interview with Ian Gittens

Excerpt from Radio New Zealand interview with Emile Donovan on 'Nights' programme.

24 October 2024

https://fb.watch/vzPJl3DzD7/

UK paperback, audiobook or ebooks sales.

Via Troubador Publishing

https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/biography/sugar-gravy-pleasure

Best of British magazine review

September 2024 edition

https://www.bestofbritishmag.co.uk/september-2024/

NZ personal book orders or distribution information

Paperbacks available in store in Unity books, central Auckland or Dear Reader bookshop in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

For all personal or trade NZ Book orders or distribution enquiries, please contact :[email protected]
RRP - Paperback's in store $23 NZD.

Pete's local bookstore stocks & supports the book:-
Dear Reader, 436 Richmond road, Auckland, NZ.