Best Weekend reads: Costco's secret; Spiegeltent with a twist; Blanc de Blanc; Lost pubs; Pokolbin's Italian haven

Take a look at what's inside the Herald Weekender, September 9.

The secret to Costco's success

Two years ago, Costco opened in Lake Macquarie and shoppers haven't stopped flocking through its doors. Jim Kellar looks at what's driving the retail giant's popularity.

Mykhailo Makarov from Ukraine performs his dazzling "bone-breaking" dance style for Blanc de Blanc Encore in Newcastle

Twist in theatrical circus tradition

Blanc de Blanc Encore is back in Newcastle with city-favourite Spiegeltent. Simon McCathy meets one of the international performers, Misha, a Ukrainian artists who takes dance to another level.

The former Lenaghans Hotel, near Minmi, in April 2011, before it was restored.

Reflecting on lost Hunter pubs

Pubs loom large in the region's history, but a lot of them are no longer with us. Mike Scanlon looks at a new book by Ed Tonks that shares even more yarns about some weird and wonderful pubs.

Kelvin Foster and Nicole Panetta at Pascara, in Pokolbin . Picture by Marina Neil

Restaurant's warm Italian welcome

Pescara, at Pokobin's Hermitage Lodge, is all about consistently serving "a simply beautiful Italian menu". Lisa Rockman talks to the owners about their food and vision.

The NRLW Knights are playing the Broncos at home on Sunday. Picture by Marina Neil

What's on this weekend

NRLW semi-final, Clans on the Coast, a Dungeons and Dragons workshop, music and more. See what's happening in the Hunter this weekend.