Could you swap your nine-to-five for a summer sabbatical? Madrí Excepcional is giving one lucky fan the chance to become the brand’s ‘Madrí Man’ in Britain’s first-ever professional ‘Sab-beer-tical’.
With the UK summer inspiring millions to rethink their working lives, Madrí Excepcional is offering one lucky beer fan the ultimate excuse to step away from the office and into their dream job.
New research commissioned by Madrí Excepcional found that 65% of Brits are considering taking a career break in exchange for their dream job, while 58% say they would happily swap a pay rise for the chance to spend four weeks doing something they genuinely enjoy.
The findings come as 66% of Brits admit the hot weather has them dreaming beyond the traditional nine-to-five.
Brits Are Dreaming of a Career Break
According to the research, rising living costs (51%), economic uncertainty (32%), soaring temperatures (21%) and major sporting events (14%) are all encouraging people to reconsider their working lives.
When the sun comes out, 44% of Brits say they want to spend more time outdoors, while 31% would like to take more time off. Among millennials, almost a quarter (24%) say they want to try something new.
The research also found that 34% of Brits are daydreaming about getting paid to do something they genuinely enjoy, with one in five (20%) admitting they have browsed jobs connected to their passions and interests during working hours.
More than half (53%) would even consider leaving their full-time job to pursue a shorter-term sabbatical or side hustle.
For those dreaming about the ultimate job, flexible working hours topped the list of desired perks at 51%, followed by all-expenses-paid travel (42%), the ability to work from anywhere (41%) and free food and drink (35%).
Introducing Britain’s First ‘Sab-beer-tical’
Madrí Excepcional is now turning that dream into reality with its new ‘Sab-beer-tical’, giving one fan the opportunity to temporarily step into the shoes of Madrí Excepcional co-founder Carlos Garcia.
Garcia, who helped build the brewery behind Madrí Excepcional and inspired the iconic Chulapo character featured across the brand’s bottles, cans and pints, is taking a well-earned summer break.
That means Madrí is looking for an exceptional stand-in to become the face of the brand while he’s away.
And unlike a traditional job application, there’s no CV required.
What Does the Madrí Man Dream Job Include?
The successful applicant will receive a prize package worth more than £5,000, alongside a series of experiences designed to immerse them in the world of Madrí Excepcional.
The prize includes:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Madrid, the home of Madrí Excepcional
- A personalised run of limited-edition Madrí Excepcional bottles
- A year’s supply of Madrí Excepcional and Madrí Excepcional 0.0%
- The opportunity to complete a WSET Level 1 in Beer qualification
- Professional pouring training to help them master the perfect pint
- A range of unique, money-can’t-buy experiences
The research suggests that the package ticks plenty of boxes for Brits dreaming about a career break. Going on holiday (43%), exploring different countries (37%), visiting new cities (36%) and gaining new experiences (31%) all ranked among the most popular ways people would spend a sabbatical.
How to Apply for the Madrí Excepcional Sab-beer-tical
Forget polishing your CV or writing a formal cover letter. Madrí Excepcional wants applicants to show off their creativity instead.
Fans are being encouraged to demonstrate why they deserve to become the next Madrí Man.
Applicants could dress up as Carlos, transform their home into a Madrí-inspired space, perfect their best Chulapo impression or come up with something entirely unexpected.
The more creative, the better.
To enter, hopeful applicants should submit recorded content to @madriexcepcional on Instagram using the hashtag #MadriMan.
Applications are open from 10 August until 23 August 2026, with the winner set to be selected on 15 September 2026. Full terms and conditions apply.
Carlos Garcia on Finding the Next Madrí Man
Madrí Excepcional co-founder Carlos Garcia said the campaign is inspired by the desire to do something different during the summer.
“Summer has a way of inspiring us to try something a little different, and that includes me as I’ve decided to invite someone to step into my shoes, so to speak – someone with a genuine love of Madrí Excepcional, for the ultimate Sab-beer-tical.”
Garcia added that his Madrid roots were important to the identity of the brand and its iconic Chulapo character.
“As someone who was born in Madrid, and has spent the past 15 years brewing beer close by, it was important to me that the character featured on every bottle wears the traditional Chulapo dress – reflecting the culture and character of the city that inspired our beer.”
Now, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to embrace that spirit for themselves.
Could This Be the Ultimate Summer Job?
With flexible working, travel and new experiences increasingly featuring on people’s career wish lists, Madrí Excepcional’s Sab-beer-tical offers a rather unconventional alternative to the traditional summer job.
For one aspiring Madrí Man, it could mean swapping the daily commute for Madrid, the office for professional beer training and the usual nine-to-five for a year of Madrí Excepcional perks.
Applications close on 23 August, so aspiring Madrí Men have just two weeks to get creative.
