Pete Elderkin

Sugar

Gravy

Pleasure

Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure: An Indie Odyssey in Peterborough

Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure: An Indie Odyssey in Peterborough

Publication date: 28th July, 2024

Growing up in Peterborough, voted the ‘worst place to live in England & the UK’, certainly had its challenges. But a love for Nick Cave’s band and a passion for indie music launched the author, Pete Elderkin, on a series of extraordinary events while following a dream to reach that holy grail for rock groups, a BBC Radio One John Peel session. Sugar, Gravy, Pleasure details the ups and downs of being in the wrong place and time while trying to DJ and run an exciting alternative music club in a what seemed a hostile, provincial environment.

This is a wry, self-deprecating memoir set over eleven years and telling the true story of The Sugar Club and how it, improbably, became one of the longest running club nights in the UK. It captures, with first-hand contributors, the fun experiences and social history of the unique 1990s and 2000s, when the grunge and Britpop scenes came from out of nowhere to the forefront of the UK music scene. 

 "I loved it. A beautiful, big-hearted book. 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.

About the Author

About the Author

Pete Elderkin was born in Peterborough and 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

Best of British magazine review

September 2024 edition

NZ book orders or distribution

Available in store in Auckland.

NZ Book orders or distribution enquiries, please contact [email protected] 

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

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

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

Buy tickets