We bring you our guide to living well in the world’s capitals, from exhibitions to cinema, food, drink, fashion, music and beyond. Just call it culture and take it, it’s yours.

LONDON, FRIDAY 15th NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2013

It’s the time of the year where weekend activities move indoors, so we suggest you have a look at one – or both – of these movies this weekend. They’re dramatic enough to make you feel like you’ve actually done something. Check listings for screen times.

Cocaine, cowboy boots, pimp shirts and that scene
Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott’s new blockbuster thriller The Counsellor, stars Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt. A stellar cast for a nightmarish narrative, focussing on illegal business deals spiralling out of control, it’s also got everyone yapping about the moment Diaz’s character, Malkina, takes her underwear off and humps the windscreen of a Ferrari.

Look, I’m fine, there’s just something in my eye
Inspired by the 2009 book by Martin Sixsmith; Philomena is a compelling film starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, based on the incredible true story of one mother’s lifelong search for her lost son.  This may not be an ideal start to boozy Friday night but don’t be put off – it’s surprisingly as funny as it is heartbreaking, showing that there’s laughter in even the heaviest of times.

Say my name, say my name
Sir Paul Smith started his career in fashion at the age of sixteen in a clothing warehouse in Nottingham. Fifty years and a global clothing empire later we can now see the story of his career in a new Design Museum exhibit, from his humble beginnings to the present day.  The show features a reproduction of his original men’s store as well as displaying archive collection pieces, antiques and other objects that have fuelled Sir Paul’s creative process throughout his life.

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith
Design Museum, 28 Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD
£11.85, £10.70 concs, £7.50 students
Open daily: 10:00–17:45

Folk story
There’s a lot to be said on odd British social customs and our eccentric traditions; high noon teas, fish and chips, bald men in handkerchiefs or bowler hats, seaside holidays and Crufts. Fortunately Tony Ray-Jones spent the latter half of the 1960s travelling across England, photographing what he saw as a disappearing way of life. These images from a bygone era are an extraordinary and humorous look into our heritage and form an unmissable exhibition at The Science Museum curated by, who else, but Martin Parr.

Only in England: Photographs by Tony Ray-Jones and Martin Parr
Until 16th March 2014, admission £8
Open daily: 10:00–18:00

Sci-fi dining
Finally, head down to The mega Zaha At Hadid penned Serpentine Sackler Gallery – and pay a visit to its newly opened restaurant which looks as though leapt out of a Philip K. Dick novel. 

The Magazine Restaurant, has head chef Oliver Lange at the helm, and will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner. At night’s the best time to take in the environment: be brave with the menu, which is modern European with a few Japanese influences thrown in.

The Magazine Restaurant 
The Serpentine Sackler Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London, W2 3XA