Chris Herbert's final review in the series finds him disappointed with the newly refurbushed Pizza Hut, High Wycombe

THERE once was a time when Pizza Hut was synonymous with a good quality meal -- if you fancied a decent pizza you would go there.

Recently, though, the chain seems to be lagging behind its competitors -- relying on bringing out novelty pizza bases and improving service in its restaurants.

The White Hart Street restaurant is certainly no exception to this. Its food, although not bad, did not look appetising and was bland in texture and taste.

Having said that, the service in the restaurant was quick and courteous. On our arrival, we were shown to our table by one of the managers who patiently explained the new menu and assigned Stewart to look after us.

I had not been expecting too much from Pizza Hut, but the restaurant was spotless and comfortable and I was quite looking forward to the combo platter starter when it arrived shortly after the drinks.

The idea of this starter sounded great -- chicken wings, breaded mushrooms and potato skins filled with cheese -- but the reality was not quite as great.

The chicken wings tasted good, but the mushrooms were very dry and the potato skins were completely un-crispy and not particularly tasty. Even the dips which accompanied it were not particularly special.

There was nothing really wrong with the food, but it just wasn't very interesting and certainly did not get my tastebuds going.

When the pizzas arrived, they were all right. My super supreme pizza had everything on it from olives to red onion and spicy pork, but it was dry and bland -- much the same could be said for my partner's food.

They were what you would expect if you bought a ready-made frozen pizza from any supermarket and were not expecting very much.

All in all, it filled a hole but gave the impression that it had been pulled out of a freezer and plopped into a microwave.

Mid-way through eating the main course, a group of gospel singers from South Croydon sat down on the table next to us and started warming up for their choir session in Hughenden Valley.

Apparently, they come to High Wycombe every Sunday for their weekly practice, but I would be surprised if they make a regular appearance at Pizza Hut. MENU Combo platter portion: £7.29

One small Neopolitan pizza super supreme: £5.79

One small Neopolitan pizza country feast: £5.29

Drinks: £2.58

VAT: £3.12

TOTAL: £20.95

n This is an independent review. RESTAURANT RATING Quality of food: Not great, a bit dry and bland.

Quantity of food: Enough to fill a hole, but nothing more.

Value for money: Not very good -- about the same price as other pizza restaurants, but not as good.

Would you recommend it? Not unless you need a quick, filling meal, but the service was excellent. Pizza Hut, White Hart Street, High Wycombe (01494) 450757

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.