Lillian Ahenkan, better known as Flex or FlexMami, is the social media star the world needs: opinionated, funny, whip-smart, and not afraid to rock a jewel-encrusted Croc. The TV presenter, podcaster, entrepreneur and designer resides in Sydney and accidentally discovered a new appreciation for the city in 2020. “As an avid intercontinental traveller, I’d never considered my home to be a destination worth exploring. Why go outside when I could go to a whole different continent?” she asks. “That mentality was quickly dismantled by COVID. I’ve spent the better part of the year actually enjoying what the area has to offer. And it’s pretty good.” Just don’t expect run-of-the-mill recommendations from Flex. Axe-throwing, anyone?
Tea time
“Now I’m no brunch connoisseur (I prefer to sleep at 4am, wake up at midday and have my first meal at 3pm), however I’m obsessed with scones. Little balls of happiness and goodness. Turns out, they’re a pretty difficult thing to find when you want to dine out. The Tea Cosy in the Rocks is the cutest place for this. They’ve got scones, designer jams, and every single table has a pair of knitting needles and yarns, in case you want to get creative.
7 Atherden St, The Rocks
Casual dinner
“I honestly dream about eating the Roti Canai here. It’s EVERYTHING TO ME. Perfectly made. The vibe is extremely chill – nothing to write home about – but the food is amazing. Be prepared to wait in line for a table. It’s popular for a reason.”
15 Goulburn St, Haymarket (also find branches in Chatswood and Melbourne)
Extreme date night
“Have you ever thrown an axe at a target before? Obviously, no, but you definitely should. Axe- throwing is my new favourite activity and it is as reckless as it sounds. Hang out, grab a drink and a snack and join strangers to wield dangerous weapons.”
2/01/75 Mary St, St Peters
Must-do walk
“Truly the most underrated place. It’s the most zen place I’ve ever been to. Expect to see very few people and heaps of peacocks.”
Chisholm Rd & Chiswick Rd, Auburn
Beauty spot
“Go and get a very cute, premium, luxurious, one-of-a-kind manicure from this artist [follow her on Instagram and put your name down on her waiting list]. Even if you’re not a nail-art fanatic, this is more than just a bit of polish. It’s an experience.”
