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
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
UK paperback purchasing or audiobook / ebooks
Best of British magazine review
September 2024 edition
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.
Or Unity books, 19 High street, Auckland stock paperback copies.
Feature article in Scoop, NZ
September 2024
Feature article in The Moment magazine.
September 2024 edition
Pete Elderkin's choice of the Best Books on British Rock Music Icons
The top five book recommendations.
First reader reviews - August '24
Amazon 5 star reviews
Peterborough Today newspaper
July 2024
ESP magazine
June 2024
Sugar club book launch
Thursday, 1 August
Get ready to celebrate the launch of the Sugar Club book. A book is included in the admission price. 6pm for a 6.30 pm start for one hour. The Met Lounge, Bridge Street, Peterborough, UK